Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
QUINCY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The former director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services was arrested Thursday in connection with an embezzlement scheme.
Thomas Clasby Jr., of Fitchburg, was charged with embezzlement, mail and wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Clasby held the position from around 1999 until last April, according to Joshua Levy, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts.
Starting in 2019, he allegedly used the city’s funds to pay for numerous personal expenses, including a Toyota Prius, over 150 pounds of bourbon steak tips, a recording studio session so Clasby could record music, and a framed self-portrait — all totaling over $17,600.
According to Levy, Clasby had the city pay more than $38,000 to a New York consulting firm that belonged to Clasby’s friend.
The friend allegedly cashed the checks and delivered the money to Clasby at a rest stop in Framingham, a ferry terminal in Connecticut, and at the friend’s apartment.
“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,” Levy said.
Clasby is expected to appear in court Thursday afternoon.
WBZ's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.