Imagine discovering that your workplace drink had been secretly replaced with a toxic substance. This chilling scenario became a reality for a North Providence employee, allegedly at the hands of a coworker already entangled in legal troubles. On February 3, 2026, the GoLocalProv News Team reported that Alessio Dandrea, a North Providence Public Works Department employee, pleaded not guilty to felony poisoning charges. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: Dandrea was already on bail facing multiple federal charges when he was hired by the town.
The incident, which occurred on July 2, 2025, involved Dandrea allegedly tampering with a coworker's Gatorade by replacing it with automobile window wash fluid—a substance often containing methanol, a toxic and potentially lethal chemical. Multiple witnesses reportedly saw the fluid being poured into the bottle. Later that day, the unsuspecting coworker drank the contaminated beverage, fell ill, and required hospitalization—not once, but twice—due to poisoning. And this is the part most people miss: Dandrea was employed by North Providence despite his pending federal charges, a fact that Town Council President Dino Autiello found 'deeply disturbing.'
On July 28, 2025, Dandrea surrendered to North Providence Police to face the poisoning charge. Court records reveal that on January 27, 2026, he was arraigned before Judge Patrick Burke and entered a not-guilty plea. A no-contact order was issued, and a pre-trial conference is set for February 25, 2026. According to Attorney General Peter Neronha's spokesperson, Timothy Rondeau, the case progressed through several legal milestones, including a pre-arraignment conference on November 21, 2025, before reaching the arraignment stage.
But here's the controversial question: How did someone with pending federal charges end up employed by the town in the first place? This case raises serious concerns about hiring practices and workplace safety. Was this an oversight, or is there more to the story? We want to hear your thoughts—do you think the town bears responsibility for this situation, or should the focus remain solely on Dandrea's alleged actions? Share your opinions in the comments below.
For those eager to stay informed, sign up for GoLocal's free daily eBlast to get the latest breaking news. And if you're curious about related stories, check out our coverage of other North Providence incidents, from arson arrests to tragic accidents, all linked below. This story is far from over, and we'll be following every development closely.
