Federal charges have been brought against a former city administrator who allegedly embezzled taxpayer funds for anything from a Toyota Prius to tips for bourbon steaks.#Massachusetts #News #NorfolkCountyMA #Crime
Massachusetts’s Norfolk County After allegedly embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from city finances for personal indulgences like a steak, a luxury automobile, and even a custom-framed self-portrait, a former Massachusetts city official is facing serious accusations. Former Quincy Department of Elder Services Director Thomas F. Clasby, Jr., 60, is charged with abusing his position to finance an extravagant lifestyle at the cost of taxpayers. His arrest and charge were announced by the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, the most recent development in a multi-year scam.
The Allegations Against Thomas F. Clasby
Clasby allegedly started misappropriating city funds in 2019 after more than 20 years of employment at the Quincy Department of Elder Services. The indictment claims that he obtained personal belongings and transferred money to himself by using the city’s purchase procedure. Embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transit of stolen property are among the charges.
The list of things Clasby allegedly bought with public funds is lavish and strange. A music recording session cost $8,950, 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips cost $2,236; a Toyota Prius cost $4,800; and a personalized, lacquered self-portrait cost $1,658. Funds intended to assist the senior community were used to pay for these personal needs.
The Scheme and How It Unfolded
Clasby is accused of a more complex scam involving a consultancy firm owned by a friend, in addition to using public funds for direct purchases.
A New York consulting firm was purportedly paid over $38,000 by the city, although no services were ever provided. Rather, Clasby’s associate allegedly cashed the checks and gave the money to Clasby in a number of locations, such as his New York residence, a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a rest area in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Over the course of several years, Clasby allegedly used his position to take advantage of the city’s trust and convert money meant for the elderly into his own slush fund.
Reactions from Law Enforcement and What s Next for Clasby
Law enforcement officers have reacted strongly to the arrest.
According to U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, Thomas Clasby’s alleged betrayal of trust is an insult to the elders he was sworn to serve and the taxpayers who paid for these programs, in addition to being a robbery from the City of Quincy.
Levy went on to say that by utilizing public funds to pay for personal indulgences, Clasby had deceived vulnerable individuals of his community.
The claims also infuriated FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen, who described the theft as completely shameful.
According to her, Thomas Clasby was arrested by the FBI today for allegedly utilizing tens of thousands of dollars from the city’s coffers as his personal slush fund to significantly inflate his compensation.
Clasby faces severe consequences if found guilty. In addition to extra penalties for mail fraud, wire fraud, and the transportation of stolen property, the embezzlement accusation alone carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. In addition to significant fines, each of the counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail. His fiery mixtape is all we can wait to hear.
CONNECTED TOPICS: Massachusetts Crime
We appreciate your input!Was this article thought-provoking, inspirational, or educational to you? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. We value your feedback and eagerly await your response!
