Cicero Town Supervisor is facing an investigation into multiple allegations

CICERO, N.Y. — Cicero Town Supervisor Michael Aregano is facing allegations of workplace verbal abuse.

Aregano is accused by his former secretary in the town hall of Cicero.

Cicero city council members recently voted three-to-nil to expand the investigation into the allegations. Also to expand the scope of that investigation, which is being conducted by an outside attorney hired by the city council.

During the Wednesday, Oct. 9, board meeting, Councilwoman Ashley Hogan requested that the city supervisor only participate in meetings virtually during the investigation period.

“So let it be known: Council Member Hogan is requesting that Supervisor Aregano work virtually from home for the duration of the investigation,” Hogan said during the meeting. “Due to the allegations made against him, Supervisor Aregano is choosing to decline.”

Aregano is also accused of purchasing steel for personal use at discounted prices in the city of Cicero.

CNY Central received the following statements from Cicero City Council members.

I am deeply concerned about the serious allegations of misconduct by Supervisor Aregano. I believe there should be zero tolerance for all workplace harassment within city government, including and especially by elected officials. Based on the evidence I currently have, I believe these allegations against Supervisor Aregano are true. As a City Council Member, I will take the necessary steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of our City employees. -Ashley Hogan

Supervisor Mike Aregano’s allegations of inappropriate behavior are deeply troubling and I take them very seriously. It is wrong for an elected official to attempt to gain personal financial advantage by inappropriately using his position in government. Furthermore, Supervisor Aregano’s alleged conduct toward a former employee is unacceptable. I and my fellow city council members will thoroughly investigate both cases to arrive at the truth. – Michael Mirizio

Both the original allegations of harassment and a hostile work environment and the new allegations of theft of services are extremely serious and raise important questions about whether Mr. Aregano can continue to serve as a supervisor. I have been contacted by City staff who state that they can confirm some of Ms. VanEpps’ original allegations, and they will speak with the outside investigator retained by the City. We are committed to protecting the employees and residents of the City of Cicero and will continue to do so. -Jonathan Karp

Supervisor Aregano’s allegations of harassment and other misconduct against a former female city employee are deeply troubling. Other city employees have come to me and verified the truth of the allegations against Supervisor Aregano. I am sure there are residents who wonder how they would feel in their workplace if their daughters or wives were treated this way. I want to be very clear: any form of intimidation has no place in Cicero City Hall, nor in Cicero City Council. I, and my fellow city council members, take this issue very seriously and I promise transparency to the residents of Cicero. -Michael Becallo

Aregano is a Republican and retired Cicero police officer serving his second term as city supervisor.