This Moment in Corruption: Public Sector Has Seat at Auto Repair's Trickery Table.

The Office of Acting Massachusetts United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell announced yesterday that Bahram Gharony of Boston has agreed to plead guilty in connection with "a scheme to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars" from the Boston Police Department.  

"Defendant allegedly embezzled more than $260,000 from BPD in automotive supplies," said the headline on a press release from Mendell's office.  

Gharony, who is 36 years old and was formerly employed as an automotive repair technician by the department, has reportedly agreed to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud.  

A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled in federal court, so a judge has not yet sentenced Gharony.  Here's other information on the case from the Mendell press release:

"According to the charging document, Gharony is alleged to have engaged in a scheme to defraud BPD's Fleet Management Division of over $260,000 in automotive parts, tools and supplies between June 2017 and September 2020.

"It is alleged that Gharony used his position to order parts and supplies that he purported were for BPD, but were actually converted and sold to others by Gharony.

"In an effort to conceal the scheme, Gharony allegedly submitted fraudulent and altered invoices to BPD for the parts, tools and supplies he falsely claimed were ordered for the fleet.  Additionally, Gharony purported that he had lawfully purchased the items through a discount available to BPD when selling the items to others."

Each of the charges of wire fraud here carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross value of the gain or loss involved -- whichever is greater.

The Mendell press release emphasizes that "the details in the charging document are allegations," and that "the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."

That is a necessary bit of caution on Mendell's part.  New information can emerge.  Defendants can decide to change pleas.  Judges can reduce charges against a defendant or even throw cases out altogether.

UPDATE:  On Dec. 14, 2021, Mr. Gharony was sentenced to two months in prison and three years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $256,432.