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Nov 19, 2008 4:48 pm US/Eastern
State Worker Accused Of Stealing $100K For Weapons
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Prosecutors say the stolen money was used to buy semiautomatic firearms and other law enforcement equipment for personal use.
WBZ
He worked for the Department of Correction for 25 years, but in just one year, 48-year-old Gary Mendes became a state employee accused of public corruption.
"Most of our employees are hard working and don't break the law," said
Attorney General Martha Coakley.
She said Lieutenant Mendes, of Berkeley, Mass., who was in charge of buying items for the special operations division, stole more than $100,000. "He had the opportunity because he did the purchasing for the Department of Corrections to work with at least one particular vendor."
She says through that vendor, Mendes would buy more than needed and then return the extra for a store credit or refund. "In some cases he would use the credit. In some instances he would be returned a check in the amount, in this instance that I give you as a hypothetical in the amount of $4,000 or $5,000 that he would pocket himself."
Mendes' purchases, which include a bow and arrow, a ball machine, a flat screen TV, and Sony portable picture printer and semi-automatic firearms, are now marked as evidence. "He in fact charged them to the Department of Corrections and would take the money they gave him to purchase it. We don't believe they're out in the back market as a result of this," said Coakley.
The investigation into Mendes started one year ago, but there could be more cases like this to surface because of the failing economy.
The Attorney General's office wants to send the warning now. "We hope that we can send a message that we will be active in these investigations, particularly in light of the economic situation."
Mendes, who is charged with larceny and procurement fraud, earned $75,000 a year.
He was arrested, but suspended with pay while the investigation continues.
Mendes pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Wednesday and was released on personal recognizance.
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