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Dolan's Godfather Arrested

The Cemetery Super arrested for stealing is Rob Dolan's Godfather from Everett. Surprise surprise ! Another patronage job given to family and friends. This incompetent administration has yet another scandal on its hands. The Cemetery has been a mess for years. City officials just looked the other way because Hughes was Peter Dolan's best friend and Rob's Godfather. I hope he gets jail time!

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Wasn't he also Rob's "Chief of Staff" in the past?

"MELROSE, Mass. - A former Melrose cemetery director conned several people out of tens of thousands of dollars by re-selling burial plots, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office."

"John Michael Hughes, 70, faced several charges of larceny over $250 and receiving outside compensation by a municipal employee.

Hughes worked for the city until 2015 and was allegedly selling unused plots owned by the city to unsuspecting buyers.

“As a municipal employee, the defendant was tasked with overseeing the care and maintenance of a cemetery owned by the city of Melrose,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Instead, the defendant allegedly used his position to not only defraud those looking for burial plots, but also the city that had placed its trust in the defendant.”

Hughes started working at the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose in 2007. Prosecutors say he started re-selling previously sold burial plots in the cemetery at discounted rates. He allegedly split the fund with the people he had pose as sellers – none of whom ever owned the plots that were sold, the DA says.

Hughes is accused of selling 13 burial plots for about $75,000."

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

If this is true, where are the conspiracy charges against him and the people who posed as sellers?

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

That's actually a very good question, since, if true, there were two or more people involved. And where are the charges against the co-conspirators, who according to the news stories, are "friends and family members"?

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

He'll probably be on the ballot for school committee in the next election.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Swell
He'll probably be on the ballot for school committee in the next election.



Why not - he can join Ed and then we will have two former criminals on the committee!

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Dolan enabled and ignored the mismanagement of the Cemetery for years. The budget was mixed with DPW dollars and mismanaged by everyone including City Hall, the BOA and DPW. Dolan says WC is "sacred ground". Dolan's statement to the media is pure bull **** which is sad but not really shocking.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

The "saddened and shocked" Mayor neglects to state that Mike Hughes was his former Chief of Staff and his Godfather but instead calls him a "rogue individual". Loved that Dolan's PR statement stressed nothing went through the auditor's office (PDR). This shows that the Mayor is worried that this latest crisis will show the budget process in Melrose is suspect at best and figures and facts are indefensible and invented at least.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

He is VERY worried, and he has reason to be. As bad as this is, when the names of the others involved are disclosed, it's going to be an even bigger problem for him, both politically and personally.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

I JUST SAW THE MAYOR WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Read the Wicked Local account and no mention of the criminal defendant being Dolan's godfather and former chief of staff.

Let me know if those tidbits make the print version of the Free Press.

Aaron would have researched it and known to write it. Or he would have listened to a tip.

Echoing, where at the co-conspirators? Who are they?

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Citizens were interviewed, also. Camera in courtroom. What a scumbag! Anyone else would have been taken off in handcuffs, not released. Funny how the co-conspirators were characterized so innocently. This was the mayor's chief of staff (in addition to his other duties), not just some "rogue individual"! And the bit about not passing through city funds is most revealing. They most certainly have a lot to hide, and now that will be more difficult.

FYI, Aaron would most certainly have gotten the nitty-gritty, but he doesn't work in Melrose anymore. He works in Malden.

http://www.fox25boston.com/news/ex-melrose-cemetery-director-stole-75000-in-burial-plot-scheme-da-alleges/473620015

MELROSE, Mass. - A former Melrose cemetery director conned several people out of tens of thousands of dollars by re-selling burial plots, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.

FOX25 had the only camera in court Tuesday when John Michael Hughes, 70, faced several charges of larceny over $250 and receiving outside compensation by a municipal employee.

Hughes worked for the city until 2015 and was allegedly selling unused plots owned by the city to unsuspecting buyers.

“As a municipal employee, the defendant was tasked with overseeing the care and maintenance of a cemetery owned by the city of Melrose,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Instead, the defendant allegedly used his position to not only defraud those looking for burial plots, but also the city that had placed its trust in the defendant.”

Hughes started working at the Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose in 2007. Prosecutors say he started re-selling previously sold burial plots in the cemetery at discounted rates. He allegedly split the fund with the people he had pose as sellers – none of whom ever owned the plots that were sold, the DA said.

"I want to assure the citizens of Melrose that these acts were allegedly committed by a rogue individual without any funds ever passing through the City's treasury or auditing departments," the mayor said in a written statement.

Hughes is accused of selling 13 burial plots for about $75,000.

He was released on personal recognizance following the hearing.

Free Press Update

In a statement, Mayor Rob Dolan said he was "shocked and saddened" learn that a former employee stands "accused of betraying the trust of the citizens of Melrose."

By Jeannette Hinkle
jhinkle@wickedlocal.com
@JennyHinkleWL
Former city employee John Michael Hughes pleaded not guilty to illegally selling Wyoming Cemetery burial plots to unsuspecting residents during an arraignment at Middlesex Superior Court Tuesday morning.

Hughes, who retired from his post as Wyoming Cemetery superintendent in Sept. 2015, is charged with five counts of larceny over $250 and receiving outside compensation by a municipal employee.

In 2011, Hughes allegedly began telling people looking to buy burial plots for later use that they could purchase previously sold burial plots within the cemetery at discounted rates.

Hughes then allegedly used straw sellers to collect the funds from buyers before splitting the money with the straw sellers, none of whom owned the plots that were sold.

The state alleges Hughes sold 13 burial plots, thereby diverting funds from the City of Melrose and netting approximately $75,000.

In a statement, Mayor Rob Dolan said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn that a former employee stands "accused of betraying the trust of the citizens of Melrose."

"The day I was advised that this individual was potentially engaging in criminal activity, I immediately called Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan," Dolan wrote in the statement. "From that moment an investigation commenced, with which we fully cooperated."

In the statement, Dolan emphasized the alleged crimes were conducted outside any policy or procedure of the Wyoming Cemetery and the City Treasury.

"As Mayor, I want to assure the citizens of Melrose that these acts were allegedly committed by a rogue individual without any funds ever passing through the City's treasury or auditing departments," Dolan wrote. "The individual responsible has now been charged and I am confident that justice will be served for the citizens of Melrose."

Melrose Free Press Update Dec. 12

Dolan told the Free Press the city will honor the transactions Hughes allegedly made, meaning victims of the alleged scam will have a burial plot at Wyoming Cemetery - just not the one they purchased. Plots at Wyoming Cemetery are supposed to be awarded via lottery.

Dolan said the city reached out personally to families impacted by the alleged crimes, adding, "This is a very difficult time for these affected families and for all of us."

Dolan commended his staff and the members of the Wyoming Cemetery Committee "for their tireless efforts to preserve the integrity of the cemetery, which is the most sacred land in the City."

The case was investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and the Melrose Police Department.

Melrose Police Chief Michael Lyle commended the work of Melrose police detectives in a statement, calling the charges against Hughes "extremely disturbing."

"This suspect was the Superintendent of Wyoming Cemetery and allegedly plotted to take advantage of vulnerable residents during a sensitive time in their lives," he wrote. "I would like to commend the work of the Melrose Police Department Detectives for their dedication and diligence during this case."

Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan released Hughes on his own recognizance before ordering him to return to court for a scheduling conference on Jan. 9.

Attorney Jeff Travaline is defending Hughes, 70, in this case. The prosecuting attorneys are Assistant District Attorney Doug Cannon and Assistant District Attorney Cyrus Chung.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Morty and Bob are sure quick to the draw. Wonder how much any of these bozo BOA members have looked at any of what comes before them....

They need to demand a full forensic audit, as in yesterday!

http://melrosecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?MeetingID=1145&ID=1166

Apr 30, 2012 7:30 PM Appropriations Committee Committee Meeting


Cemetery

208,226.29

Cemetery Administrator Mike Hughes says the cemetery continues to grow. Last year’s lottery generated sufficient revenue to cover the expansion project. There has been a change in the way the cemetery does business; there are more cremations, and the operation with Public Works has grown in a positive way. Salary and wages account for 91% of the budget. Overtime is paid for Saturday and holiday burials; part-time covers summer help. He doesn’t envision employees taking Monday off if they work Saturday. The cemetery is self-funding the repairs to the wall.

Motion: Move the bottom line By: Mortimer Second: Boisselle Motion carried

http://melrosecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&ID=1830&CssClass=
Cemetery

$209,174.51

Cemetery Administrator Mike Hughes says with the structured sale of lots and graves, improvements to the cemetery have been made. The overall cemetery revenue is from daily income - the cemetery generates about $400,000 annually, making the operation self funding. Cremations have increased from 28% to 37%. Presently the focus is on the cemetery tree program and the care and maintenance of the older section dating back to 1851. Much of the work is being done in-house and is working out well. Mr. Scenna says this budget encompasses operating costs - salary and wages, tools, and materials needed.

Chairman Conn asks how much of salaries is paid off budget; Mr. Scenna says none.

Motion: Move the bottom line By: Boisselle Second: Mortimer Motion carried

http://melrosecityma.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?MeetingID=1453&ID=2952
Jun 5, 2014 7:30 PM Appropriations Committee Budget Hearing


Cemetery

$208,260.53

Mr. Scenna says the budget is level funded from FY14 except for contractual salary and wages. The staff is under the supervision of Peter Pietrantonio who takes the lead from Cemetery Operations Manager Mike Hughes, who offers insight and direction.

Mr. Hughes says the consolidation of operations with the Public Works Department will result in savings to the City. This is the third year of managed growth at the cemetery, generating $188,000 in sales of lots through the lottery; the cemetery generates sufficient funds to fully fund the departmental budget. It’s is a very active place and funds generated from growth will be reinvested to grow even further.

President Conn says that people should understand that the cemetery isn’t running on $208,000. Mr. Hughes says its operating budget is roughly $260,000. Mr. Scenna says the cemetery has a perpetual care fund for plantings. Mr. Hughes says there is also a memorial bench program, and sources of revenue include operating revenue, sales of lots and graves, and investments.

Alderman Boisselle asks about previous infrastructure problems. Mr. Hughes says there is a new drainage and back flow prevention system, done through the Public Works Department and its resources, which has proven to be very successful.

Motion: Move the bottom line

By: Boisselle Second: Forbes Motion carried

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Wyoming Cemetery
The Cemetery Super arrested for stealing is Rob Dolan's Godfather from Everett. Surprise surprise ! Another patronage job given to family and friends. This incompetent administration has yet another scandal on its hands. The Cemetery has been a mess for years. City officials just looked the other way because Hughes was Peter Dolan's best friend and Rob's Godfather. I hope he gets jail time!


This is the same guy who cheated on his wife and humiliated his family.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Peter P, and Scenna from DPW should be held accountable, too.... both part of the Everett Mafia employees brigade!

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Can't really hold Peter "accountable" from the grave, even though this is a grave business....[:-)]

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

https://archive.org/stream/memories1964ever/memories1964ever_djvu.txt

The Class of Nineteen Hundred Sixty-Four
of Everett High School
Everett, Massachusetts

JOHN M. HUGHES
Mike
33 Arlington Street
Gil. and Sul. 2.
With his good looks and per-
sonality, Mike's dream will be-
come a reality. He'll sing his
way to the accountant field.
And money galore he will
yield.

ACTIVITY STAFF
Peter Dolan

SUCCESSFUL AND HAPPY— BEATNIKS

Marie Benevento, Bob Bonfiglioli, Jan Harper, Connie
Cella, Bonita Chapman, Dine Cocciardi, Bill Cryer,
Chase DiSabatino, Theresa Donadio, Ed Gardner, Mike
Hughes, Paul Janes, Jim Kowalsky, Judy Johnston,
Frank Malabarba, Dave Morgan, Joe Medugno, Jan
Perry, Flo Pisacreta, Millie Price, Norm Thompson,
Karen Crowley.

PETER J. DOLAN
Pistol Pete
68 Lexington Street
Class Officer 3. 4; Homeroom
Officer 2, 4; Prep Club 4: Span.
Club 3, 4; Jr. Prom Comm.; Jr.
Achiev. 4; Sr. Prom Comm.;
Yearbook Staff.

For years at E.H.A. we've
heard one slogan. If you want a
good guy vote for Dolan, As a
politician, wc know he'll succeed. Good Luck and do
some good deeds.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Another story
http://whdh.com/news/former-melrose-cemetery-director-accused-of-selling-fake-burial-plots/
Somebody should contact the Boston news reporters to inform them of the connection to the Mayor - makes for a way better story and maybe can finally get this ball rolling in the direction it should - NEW MAYOR

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Here's a hint - start any audit with the Perpetual Care Fund.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Thanks, Jack Rossi

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

As of today, no mention of the grave robbers story in the Globe's Metro Section. Maybe Joan Vennocchi could tip them off.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Two of his family members will soon be having a very bad day, and that may also be true for a former police officer. Watch for further on this, and on the Perpetual Care Fund.

It never ceases to amaze me how stupid people can be if given the opportunity. All it was ever going to take to blow the lid off this was for someone to attempt to use one of those 13 plots.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Update: it has been confirmed that no current or former city employee other than Hughes is implicated or involved in this burial plot scam in any way. That's one good thing, at least, and I'm actually very glad to hear that.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Fly On The Wall
Update: it has been confirmed that no current or former city employee other than Hughes is implicated or involved in this burial plot scam in any way. That's one good thing, at least, and I'm actually very glad to hear that.


Unless you have inside information - you can not possible know this since the investigation is ongoing. Reminds me when Obama said at the start of the IRS scandal - "there is not one smidgen of corruption"!Let's wait and see what the investigation shows before making these blanket statements that no other officials or people are involved in this scheme.

Meanwhile - find another wall for your fly!

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

"The city confirmed that none of the straw sellers allegedly used as part of the defendant's scheme were, or had ever been, employees of the City of Melrose and were not otherwise affiliated with the City of Melrose." Free Press

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Yeah, the city is jumping to try and quell the rumors and distance itself, which is predictable and only contributes to the suspicion. Considering that the alleged perpetrator was the mayor's Chief of Staff for many years and then Cemetery Superintendent, there is every reason to be concerned. "The [administration] doth protest too much, methinks." This was a heinous crime that apparently went on for at least five years. In one news story it was mentioned that officials supposedly knew about this for some time. So why wasn't the public alerted? Those poor families. Did it take some grieving family member trying to arrange a funeral and discovering the plot already had a body in it before officials decided they had to go public? That's even more messed up if this is what happened! There are so many possible scenarios, all terrible. Perhaps it was the local PD who finally had enough of the shenanigans and decided to use one of its ace cards....

Whatever the full story is, you can be sure RD and gang (Melrose's own Drumf) will do everything in their power to suppress it, imagining themselves above the law or any other consequences, just like they always do. It is and was always only a matter of time before some of the pieces of their House of Cards came crashing down. Too bad it's taken so long.

No matter what else, this is a huge stain on the administration for having this alleged criminal in a vaulted position of power for virtually all of RD's terms of office. Melrose is already a laughing-stock in the world of school administration, complete with its own convicted felon now serving in a prominent fiduciary and policy role, someone who is besties with RD.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

GuiltyFoiled has been very busy scrubbing the newsfeed of the recent grave-robbing scandal and filling it with feelgood fluff pieces sure to keep the Melrose realtors and politicians happy, so that these will be the articles found first.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

House of Cards is right! The recently deceased individual may not have been employed by city hall, but he was associated with the city and involved with this scam. The clock ticks and the house of cards will fall.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Paul Spencer

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

"A one-time confidante and longtime supporter of Mayor Robert J. Dolan was arraigned this week for stealing money from people who thought they were buying lots in the Wyoming Cemetery".... "At one time, Hughes was the main assistant to Dolan."

As I recall, Mayor Dolan directly appointed Mr. Hughes (his Godfather and father's best friend) to the Cemetery Superintendent's position. Well, well.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested



Gee. Look who has been donating $250 a year to the Dolan Committee for the last several years. Hmmmm....
http://www.cityofmelrose.org/departments/elections/campaign-finance-reports/

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Hughes knows where all the bodies are buried. And now he's in a position where he may be able to trade something to stay out of prison. This could get very interesting.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Quid pro quo?


Gee. Look who has been donating $250 a year to the Dolan Committee for the last several years. Hmmmm....
http://www.cityofmelrose.org/departments/elections/campaign-finance-reports/

Is it legal to accept contributions from city employees?

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

"Is it legal to accept contributions from city employees?"

Definitely ethical problems, if not legal ones as well.

Same for all those contributions to people like Chris C et al from MaryJoH for her marathon fund a few years ago, and all the many ways the legal (illegal) staff buy their influence and keep it, etc.

It's all just one big kickback scheme when it comes to little dirty Melrose, where the politicos believe they can do literally anything they want.

Now the House of Cards starts crumbling and even so, they are still arrogant enough to think it'll all pass and they can keep abusing their power and privilege.

Re: Dolan's Godfather Arrested

Michael Margolis' (MB's husband) will be found to have much to do with this.