QUINCY, MASS. (WHDH) – A former Quincy director of elder services was indicted and appeared in federal court Wednesday in connection with a scheme to embezzle funds from the city.
Thomas F. Clasby, 60, of Fitchburg, is charged with embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Clasby was director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services between “approximately 1999 and April 2024”, according to the indictment.
“Beginning in 2019, Clasby allegedly used the City’s purchasing process to pay personal expenses and generate cash for himself,” the U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Massachusetts said in a statement. “For example, Clasby allegedly arranged for the City to pay $8,950 to a music studio to produce recordings of Clasby singing songs; $2,236 to food service vendors for 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips; $4,800 for a Toyota Prius; and $1,658 for a signature, lacquered, mounted, and framed self-portrait, all of which were personal expenses.”
Clasby also allegedly arranged for the city to pay more than $38,000 to a New York consulting firm owned by his friend.
“The consulting company never provided goods or services to any City department,” officials said. “Instead, Clasby’s friend allegedly cashed the City checks and delivered the cash to Clasby at a rest stop in Framingham, Mass., a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Conn. and at the friend’s New York apartment. The indictment further alleges that, starting in June 2021, Clasby stole the vast majority of cash receipts generated by Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy.”
“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,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “As Director of Elder Services, Mr. Clasby was entrusted with protecting vulnerable members of his community. Instead, he allegedly…