A man from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, has been arrested in connection with an alleged scheme to embezzle funds from the City of Quincy. Thomas F. Clasby, Jr., 60, faces charges of embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property. He is set to make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
The indictment states that Clasby served as the Director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services from approximately 1999 until April 2024. Beginning in 2019, he allegedly misused the city’s purchasing process for personal expenses and cash generation. Instances cited include payments made by the city for a music studio to produce recordings of Clasby singing, food service vendors for bourbon steak tips, a Toyota Prius, and a framed self-portrait.
Further allegations claim that Clasby arranged for over $38,000 to be paid to a consulting company owned by a friend who provided no services or goods to any city department. Instead, this friend reportedly cashed city checks and handed over cash to Clasby at various locations including Framingham and Bridgeport.
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy commented on the case: “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.” He added that public officials exploiting their positions would be held accountable.
Jodi Cohen from the FBI's Boston Division stated: “Stealing money from programs that are set up to help our seniors is utterly disgraceful.” She acknowledged assistance from the Quincy Police Department in bringing Clasby into custody.
The charge specifics detail potential sentences including up to 10 years for embezzlement and interstate transportation charges each, with mail and wire fraud carrying up to 20 years imprisonment.
This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Levy along with FBI SAC Cohen with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay prosecuting this case underlining that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.