Mass. Court To Hear Dispute In Probation Probe

The state's highest court will hear arguments in a challenge by state Rep. Thomas Petrolati to a subpoena he received in connection with an investigation into the state Probation Department.

Petrolati has been fighting a subpoena to appear before Paul Ware, an independent counsel appointed by the state Supreme Judicial Court to investigate corrupt hiring practices by the department.

The Boston Globe has reported that Petrolati's wife, former aide and numerous financial supporters have received jobs in the department. The Ludlow Democrat is a top deputy to House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

Petrolati argues that Ware does not have the authority to investigate state lawmakers.

The Supreme Judicial Court is scheduled to hear arguments from both sides Tuesday.