Globe Hits Roy Again on Lobbyist Connections

Above, Norfolk Probate and Family Court in Canton where records have now been sealed.

State Rep Jeff Roy again was in the spotlight Monday from a Boston Globe story, part of a series titled “State Secrets” that has given a critical look at the workings of the legislature.

The previous article detailed the close personal and work relationship between Roy, who is married but with a divorce in process, and lobbyist Jennifer Crawford. According to the Globe, her lobbying firm has ties to many organizations that are concerned in Roy’s recently passed climate legislation as well as other matters overseen by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, which he chairs.

According to the Globe, Roy filed a disclosure with the House on July 10, 2023, mentioning a relationship with someone at the lobbying firm but without using a name. The next day, Roy’s spouse, Maureen, filed for divorce and, in her filings, made allegations that Roy had been in a relationship with Crawford ‘at least’ dating back to 2019 and, further, that he had used funds and travel points jointly owned by the Roys to entertain Crawford.

Those claims were denied in a letter Roy wrote, obtained by the Globe.

Then, the Globe reporter noted, “On Thursday, one day after the Globe asked Roy’s lawyer about the case, the judge sealed the docket,” a move experts cited by the Globe called ‘unusual,’ particularly given Roy’s status as an elected official.