Battle Between Prov Officials — Accusations of Workplace Abuse and a Restraining Order UPDATED

Battle Between Prov Officials — Accusations of Workplace Abuse and a Restraining Order UPDATED

Two high-level officials in Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s administration are in a workplace battle, which has led to a Superior Court judge issuing a temporary restraining order (TRO).

On Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Joseph McBurney issued the order against the City of Providence’s Recreation Director Stephen Grace.

According to the complaint signed by former State Representative Anastasia Williams, who now works for the city, Grace lunged at her and threatened her.

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“The Defendant, Stephen Grace, is hereby restrained from interfering with, molesting, harassing, threatening, annoying or contacting the Plaintiff in any manner, directly or indirectly,” according to McBurney’s order.

Grace was appointed by Smiley.

 

Smiley Statement

Despite previously refusing to comment on personnel issues, the Smiley Administration issued a statement on the legal and personnel conflict between Grace and Williams. 

"While the city does not comment on personnel matters, given the city’s understanding of the facts related to the accusations outlined in the order, Director Grace is not on leave. We’re incredibly proud of the work the department has done under his leadership to expand recreation programming since we’ve taken office," said Estrella

 

The Complaint

The complainant, signed by Williams, alleges, “I fear for the life of my children, home, vehicle, and surely my life as well, seeing that Stephen has lunged at me and was not reprimanded. I have been taken out of work…by a couple of my health physicians because of all the anguish and fear that I’m experiencing with Stephen and his collaborating crew.”

Williams alleges that high-level city officials, including top Smiley aide Courtney Hawkins, who serves as the city’s Chief Operating Officer, failed to take action when complaints were brought to her attention.

Further, Williams writes in her complaint, “I have requested numerous times for copies of minutes, videos, and recordings that he [Grace] has taken, and he has not provided me with any.”

The court’s TRO was for ten days. Another hearing is scheduled for May 17.

This story was first published at 7:40 PM on Friday, May 10, 2024 and was updated at 6:16 AM on Saturday, May 11, 2024 with comment from Mayor Smiley's administration.