Crime & Safety

Tisei Surprised by Sister's Cocaine Arrest

The congressional candidate's sister was charged with cocaine possession this summer.

Siblings don't always tell each other everything and often surprise each other, but Republican congressional candidate Richard Tisei wasn't expecting the revelation he got this week.

Tisei's sister, Donna McHale of North Reading, was arrested by Reading Police in August for possession of cocaine. And Tisei says he had no idea about the arrest until this week.

“It was very upsetting news to both my mother and me, to put it mildly," Tisei said in a statement. "I’m not familiar with the circumstances, but spoke with Donna and urged her to be honest and forthcoming and to resolve this situation."

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According to on Aug. 26 just after 8:30 p.m., McHale, 48, was in a car with a man named Richard Verro, 47, of Reading, when Reading Police pulled their car over for a traffic violation and then charged Verro with possession of cocaine and having an open container of alcohol while driving. McHale was charged with possession of cocaine and later released on $140 bail.

Tisei said that his sister did not tell his family about the arrest. He found out about it Tuesday from a reporter and said he is very concerned.

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"If she needs help, I want her to get it," Tisei said. "I haven’t lived with my sister since 1981, but want the best for her and for her family.”

Tisei for Massachusetts' 6th district congressional seat last month. If he wins the Republican primary against Bill Hudak, Tisei will face off against Congressman John Tierney,


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