QUINCY, Mass. —
A retired religious studies professor is facing criminal charges after allegedly defrauding a woman he met on a Christian dating platform in mid-2024.
Gregory Shaw, 73, professor emeritus of religious studies and theology at Stonehill College, appeared Thursday in Quincy District Court. He has been charged with two counts of larceny over $1,200 by false pretense, and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
According to police, the alleged victim connected with Shaw on Christian Mingle. Their relationship grew through phone calls, video chats, and even sexually explicit photos Shaw reportedly sent. He introduced himself as Don “Greg” Perez, claimed he was from Denmark, and said he was working overseas in Poland as a contractor.
Police reports state Shaw told the woman he needed money to replace broken equipment and later requested additional funds for a co-worker’s medical care. Over time, she sent him $83,813.
A friend eventually researched Shaw online and believed the identity he used matched the retired professor. Shaw reportedly sent the woman flowers, chocolates, and a teddy bear after one of the payments.
Shaw’s attorney argued outside the courthouse—and in a legal filing—that Shaw was also a victim, claiming an unknown scammer had used his identity. Court documents note Shaw told police he was not the person communicating with the victim, though she insisted the man she saw on video calls was Shaw himself.
According to the filing, Shaw said he opened bank accounts to receive deposits he believed were tied to a legitimate business venture. He has agreed to repay the victim, maintaining she was scammed by someone else.
Stonehill College announced Shaw’s emeritus status in February. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California and spent decades teaching before retiring in 2024. Court documents show he is divorced and has two adult children. A college spokesperson confirmed he is no longer employed by Stonehill.
