Hopkinton’s Select Board met on March 17, 2026. The evening opened with strong words from frustrated residents. They were upset at how the town continues to look the other way when convicted sex offenders are allowed to obtain business licenses, among other things. After that, the board moved through routine approvals and permits for upcoming events.
Later, state legislators joined for a policy update that covered a wide range of topics. The meeting wrapped up with work on the warrant for the annual town meeting in May.
Public Forum
Right out of the gate, the public forum turned intense. Three residents criticized how town officials handled the licensing and oversight of Hillers Pizza and its owner, Peter Sismanis, who has a history as a convicted sex offender.
Beth Malloy
Beth Malloy kicked things off, referencing a recent TV news report where another woman claimed Sismanis assaulted her. This happened in 2016 while she worked at Hillers. He allegedly lured her behind a dumpster and tried to kiss her while drunk. He later allegedly threatened her when she went to the Hopkinton Police. Malloy said this wasn’t new — allegations about Sismanis giving alcohol to minors surfaced in a 2018 executive session.
Malloy believes that is why former Select Board member Brendan Tedstone refused to sign off on Hillers’ license four times. According to Malloy, he was apparently upset over that executive session meeting…