BOSTON, MA: The former director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services, Thomas Clasby, has been indicted on multiple charges after allegedly embezzling public funds for personal use. U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Josh Levy announced that Clasby, 55, of Fitchburg, is facing charges of embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Clasby, who served as the director from 1999 until his termination in April 2024, is accused of using the city’s purchasing system to generate cash for himself and fund personal purchases from 2019 onward. Federal investigators say Clasby improperly directed city funds to pay for items such as music studio sessions to record his singing, 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips, a Toyota Prius, and even a framed self-portrait.
Additionally, Clasby allegedly made over $38,000 in payments to a friend’s consulting firm, despite no services being rendered. The payments were allegedly funneled through checks from the city, with Clasby meeting his friend at various locations to receive the cash.
“This indictment represents a deep betrayal of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Levy. “Not only did Clasby misuse public funds, but he did so at the expense of the elderly residents he was supposed to protect and serve.”
Clasby faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Quincy Mayor Tom Koch also expressed his dismay, emphasizing that this kind of public betrayal would not be tolerated. “This breach of trust has been handled with the utmost seriousness, and all involved agencies acted swiftly to ensure accountability,” Koch said in a statement.
Clasby is expected to be arraigned in federal court Wednesday afternoon.