Newton man pleads not guilty in Maynard bribery case

By Globe Staff

The superintendent of public works in Maynard pleaded not guilty today to a charge that he accepted cash payments from a developer in exchange for smoothing the approval process for a construction project.

Paul Camilli, 38, of Newton was arraigned in Concord District Court on one count of a public employee accepting or receiving a bribe. Judge Steven Ostrach set bail at $1,000 cash and ordered Camilli to stay away from the victim and witnesses in the case, the Middlesex district attorney’s office said.

Prosecutors said the developer began a project earlier this year. Camilli had frequent contacts with the developer and, at one point, Camilli allegedly made known to the developer that he was looking for cash.

After the two agreed on a number in the thousands, the developer paid the money in multiple installments in multiple locations. During this time, prosecutors said, Camilli began relaxing standards for the project.

Camilli was arrested Saturday. The investigation being conducted by Maynard and State Police included undercover and video surveillance. Camilli’s attorney, Kenneth Reisman, didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.