US police payroll director pleads guilty to misappropriating funds

US police payroll director pleads guilty to misappropriating funds
05 Jul 2018

A former Massachusetts State Police payroll director has pleaded guilty to misappropriating US$23,000 from payroll funds.

Denise Ezekiel, 50, will remain on probation for two and a half years and has also been ordered to pay back the money she took. She plans to forfeit US$17,049 in vacation pay, which she would have received upon leaving her post, to go towards paying restitution. Ezekiel will also carry out 100 hours of community service.

Salary records show the payroll director was making US$95,000 in her State police job. But prosecutors indicated that she stole money through 29 fraudulent travel reimbursement schemes, ranging in value from US$500 to US$950.

Ezekiel applied for pension benefits days before charges were filed against her in the case. The criminal plea will affect her pension.

State police officials said they were told Ezekiel had filed a retirement application with the state Retirement Board. She is currently still listed as being on unpaid leave from the State police. 

State police spokesman David Procopio told Mass Live: "In light of her conviction, we are moving forward with plans to terminate her employment, unless or until we are notified by the board that she has retired."

Emma Woollacott

Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.

 

 

A former Massachusetts State Police payroll director has pleaded guilty to misappropriating US$23,000 from payroll funds.

Denise Ezekiel, 50, will remain on probation for two and a half years and has also been ordered to pay back the money she took. She plans to forfeit US$17,049 in vacation pay, which she would have received upon leaving her post, to go towards paying restitution. Ezekiel will also carry out 100 hours of community service.

Salary records show the payroll director was making US$95,000 in her State police job. But prosecutors indicated that she stole money through 29 fraudulent travel reimbursement schemes, ranging in value from US$500 to US$950.

Ezekiel applied for pension benefits days before charges were filed against her in the case. The criminal plea will affect her pension.

State police officials said they were told Ezekiel had filed a retirement application with the state Retirement Board. She is currently still listed as being on unpaid leave from the State police. 

State police spokesman David Procopio told Mass Live: "In light of her conviction, we are moving forward with plans to terminate her employment, unless or until we are notified by the board that she has retired."

Emma Woollacott

Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.

 

 

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