Board: Ex-senator 'a public safety concern' By George P. Hassett Disgraced state senator Anthony Galluccio will stay in the slammer a little longer after a parole board hearing on May 14 denied him an early release from Billerica House of Correction. Galluccio was sentenced to one year in jail in January after violating the terms of his probation in connection with a hit and run accident that left a 13-year-old boy injured. He resigned from his senate seat, which includes two precincts in Somerville and parts of Cambridge, shortly after going to jail. In four months of jail time Galluccio has made "progress in addressing his substance abuse issues," according to parole records. That was not enough to get him out from behind bars.

"There remains a public safety concern due to convictions for [operating a motor vehicle under the influence], leaving the scene" of an accident and a driving history of surchargable accidents, the parole ruling stated.

Donald V. Giancioppo, executive director of the Massachusetts Parole Board, said Galluccio was not represented by an attorney at Friday's hearing. One board member, Cesar Archiila, heard Galluccio's case and issued the denial.

Galluccio has been convicted three times of driving related offenses. In 1984 and 1997 he was convicted of drunk driving. In December he pleaded guilty to fleeing the scene of a car crash in Cambridge and was sentenced to six months home confinement.

Within 72 hours of beginning his house arrest, a court-ordered breathylyzer test detected alcohol on his breath. Galluccio has maintained that he did not drink during his home confinement but he was sentenced to the maximum of one year in jail.

At last week's hearing, Galluccio admitted to alcohol abuse but distinguished that from alcoholism, according to parole records.

Before he was elected to the senate, Galluccio served as a Cambridge City Councilor and was mayor of the city.

He can request reconsideration of the parole ruling within 60 days.