Earlier this week Nick’s Ride 4 Friends Executive Director Joel Campagnola was arrested on new charges connected to a domestic incident that occurred in June.
The arrest and media attention prompted Nick’s Ride 4 Friends’ board of directors to release a statement, which included the announcement that Campagnola was being placed on paid leave.
“The Board of Directors takes this matter very seriously. Upon learning of the June incident, the Board engaged outside experts to conduct an independent investigation. This review is in progress,” the board in a statement. “Given the recent additional charges, at a special Board meeting held on Wednesday, December 2nd, after careful considerations, the Board decided to place Mr. Campagnola on paid leave to give him time to focus on resolving his legal matters.”
He was first arrested in June, being accused of forcing entry into his ex-girlfriend’s home grabbing her by the throat, and pushing her against a wall. The second arrest took place this week, as Campagnola was accused of trespassing, pushing a male victim against a wall – and making a threat. Deputy Police Chief Roger Anthony told Finger Lakes News Radio at the time that this incident occurred in the same timeframe as the original incident. However, that Campagnola also motioned to his weapon when threatening the male.
Read the full-statement from Nick’s Ride 4 Friends Board of Directors:
Earlier this week, Nick’s Ride Executive Director, Joel Campagnola, was arrested and charged related to an incident in June. The Board of Directors takes this matter very seriously. Upon learning of the June incident, the Board engaged outside experts to conduct an independent investigation. This review is in progress.
Given the recent additional charges, at a special Board meeting held on Wednesday, December 2nd, after careful considerations, the Board decided to place Mr. Campagnola on paid leave to give him time to focus on resolving his legal matters. He has done invaluable work for the organization and the community over the last years. We want to allow him time to focus on private matters now.
As an organization, we remain focused on our mission to help people in recovery in our community and support our peer workforce to be able to continue their important work. To that end, we have identified a consultant with extensive non-profit experience to assist Nick’s Ride as an interim executive director.
As a community, we need to remain vigilant in fighting the ongoing opioid epidemic, especially during this global pandemic, which left people with substance use disorder even more vulnerable. Nick’s Ride 4 Friends is committed to this cause and we appreciate your continued support and trust.
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