Massachusetts official diverted taxpayer funds intended for seniors for music studio recordings, 153 pounds of steak, framed portrait

A former Quincy, Massachusetts official, Thomas Clasby, Jr., has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly embezzling city funds and using them for personal expenses. Clasby, who served as the Director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services from 1999 until April 2024, is accused of misappropriating over $40,000 between 2019 and 2024.

Accusations Against Clasby

Clasby was removed from his position in May, weeks after being placed on paid administrative leave. Prosecutors allege that he exploited the city’s purchasing process to pay for various personal expenses. These expenses included:

• Music studio recordings – $8,950
• 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips – $2,236
• Toyota Prius – $4,800
• Signature, framed self-portrait – $1,658

Also according to court documents, Clasby funneled more than $38,000 to a New York consulting company owned by a friend. The company allegedly provided no services to the city. Instead, Clasby’s friend cashed the checks and delivered the cash to Clasby at various locations, including a rest stop in Framingham, Massachusetts, a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the friend’s New York apartment.

It is also alleged that starting in June 2021, Clasby stole most of the cash receipts collected by the Department of Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy. Federal investigators said Clasby used city money as a “personal slush fund”.

Reactions and Statements

U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy condemned Clasby’s alleged actions, saying, “Thomas Clasby’s alleged betrayal of trust is not just a theft from the City of Quincy but an affront to the seniors he was sworn to serve and the taxpayers who funded these programs”.

Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, added, “Stealing money from programs that are set up to help our seniors is utterly disgraceful”.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Clasby was arrested by the FBI at his home in Fitchburg on January 8, 2025. He was arraigned in a Boston federal courtroom and pleaded not guilty to the charges that same day. He was released on personal recognizance.

The charges include embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property. Each count of mail and wire fraud carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. If convicted on all counts and sentenced consecutively, Clasby faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Similar Cases of Embezzlement and Fraud

Unfortunately, Clasby is not alone in his actions. There are many organizations and individuals who have been victims of fraud and embezzlement. Here are a few examples from the recent past:

• A SpringHill Suites manager was arrested for an alleged $80,000 fraud.
• A Hampton Inn manager was charged with $100,000 embezzlement.
• A Quality Inn Hotel manager was charged with $30,000 embezzlement.
• A former Local 98 president, Brian Burrows, was sentenced to four years in prison for embezzlement of union funds, filing false government reports, and tax fraud.
• A bookkeeper was sentenced to 10 years after embezzling over $29 million.

These cases bring out the fact that fraud is something so prevalent, hence requiring strong measures for its prevention.

Quincy Department of Elder Services

The Quincy Department of Elder Services makes available various programs and services for seniors residing in this particular city. All these make a great improvement in the seniors’ quality of life and independent living. The alleged actions of Clasby can have wide-ranging implications within the department and in the community it serves. The possible loss of services, interruption of trust, and damage to the reputation of the department are certainly grave consequences.

Company Response and Prevention Measures

Though the exact response by the Quincy Department of Elder Services was not available in the materials provided, common responses of organizations where embezzlement has occurred include conducting internal investigations and implementing new internal controls to prevent such fraudulent activities.
Some common measures include:

• Regularly checking records, such as operation logs and history, to detect problems early.
• Conducting internal audits to ensure that rules are being properly implemented.
  
• Educating employees about fraud and the importance of ethical conduct.
  
• Establishing a reporting system that encourages employees to report suspicious activity without fear of retaliation.

By taking such measures, organizations will be able to reduce the chances of recurrence of such embezzlement incidents in the future and can safeguard their financial resources.

Conclusion

The indictment of Thomas Clasby, Jr., for embezzlement raises serious questions regarding the misuse of public funds and potential harm caused to the vulnerable at-risk population served by the Quincy Department of Elder Services. Clasby is accused of using his position for personal gain in misappropriating funds for the recording of music, steak tips, and a self-portrait of himself. He could be facing up to 40 years in jail if proven guilty. Such instances depict the important role of having solid internal controls, ethical behavior, and strong oversight in both the public and private sectors, in the prevention and detection of fraud. It will also serve to emphasize the accountability and transparency of government institutions in earning public trust.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_buauQ0ZpI – This video from Prison Professors discusses the steps involved in embezzlement cases, including investigation, charges, and potential consequences. This video can provide context and legal information related to Clasby’s case.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVaof4_29sI – This news report from FOX Carolina News discusses a case of a former college official accused of embezzling public funds, which is relevant to Clasby’s case as a former public official.
• How To Prevent Embezzlement? – This video explores strategies to prevent embezzlement within organizations, including internal controls, background checks, and ethical training. This can be helpful in understanding how organizations can prevent similar incidents in the future.