OIG Annual Report 2019: Reports, Letters and Publications

In 2018, the ISAU conducted a variety of investigations, reviews and audits related to the use of public and private transportation funds, including its review of change orders and contract overruns for the design and final phase of construction of the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The Legislature established the Division of State Police Oversight in 2018 as an independent unit responsible for monitoring the quality, efficiency and integrity of the Massachusetts State Police.

OIG Issued a Report Recommending Improvements in the Administration of the MassHealth and the Health Safety Net Programs.

The OIG reviewed sick-leave payouts at municipal light plants across Massachusetts. We found that many light plants have leave-time and payout policies that have cost ratepayers millions of dollars.

Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha wrote to the Plymouth County Commissioners regarding the purchase of excavating equipment and its use and benefit to County communities for dredging purposes. The IG concluded that the dredging program was unsuccessful and offered recommendations.

The OIG wrote to the Town of Montague regarding the sale of real property and Chapter 30B. In 2018, the town tried to sell Lot F through a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) process. Based on our review, we determined that the Town failed to comply with Chapter 30B.

Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha submitted testimony to the Public Service Committee supporting better enforcement of post-retirement employment. He recommends adding new provisions that will aid local retirement boards in enforcing the return-to-work earning limits.

Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha submitted written testimony on bills related to procurement of art and related services.

Glenn A. Cunha, Inspector General, wrote in opposition to the bill that would amend M.G.L. Chapter 30B to increase dramatically the purchasing thresholds.

The OIG found that the Town properly advertised to dispose of an old fire truck. However, the Town may have been able to receive slightly more money if it had considered disposing of the truck for its scrap value.

Inspector General Cunha wrote to the legislature recommending that local housing authority legislation include oversight mechanisms to ensure that public dollars and publicly-owned property is not vulnerable to fraud, waste and abuse.

The OIG found that the former Mayor and Methuen City Council likely violated state laws, failed to comply with their own municipal rules and breached their fiduciary duties to the residents of Methuen.

An Essex County grand jury indicted a former director of the METCO program in Marblehead on larceny charges for stealing money intended to benefit students.

The Office of the Inspector General provided assistance on cases alleging individuals obtained a driver’s license or state ID using another person’s identity, the result of investigations conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force.

A Suffolk County grand jury indicted a former non-profit manager for allegedly embezzling more than $45,000 from Heading Home, Inc., a Charlestown-based organization providing assistance to homeless individuals and families.

A joint effort by federal and state agencies, including the Massachusetts Inspector General’s Office, found evidence that Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II allegedly extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from marijuana vendors, a building owner and Correia's former chief of staff.

A statewide grand jury indicted the two former top officials of the Carver, Marion, Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District on larceny charges.

In response to widespread complaints, the OIG investigated Methuen officials’ negotiation and approval of the Methuen Police Superior Officers’ union contract.

A Suffolk County grand jury indicted a former Department of Developmental Services (“DDS”) employee for overtime fraud, the result of an investigation by the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, in cooperation with the Department of Developmental Services.

Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha testified in support of legislation, which would ensure that boards of trustees for state colleges and universities understand their legal, fiduciary and ethical obligations to the institutions they serve.

Inspector General Glenn Cunha testified on House 9 regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 12A, the OIG's enabling statute. House 9 clarifies and strengthens the OIG’s capacity to conduct its work.

Inspector General Glenn Cunha testified on House 10 of 2019, which makes technical corrections to Chapter 30B and increases civil fines for those who violate its procedures.

The Inspector General testified on House 11 of 2019. The changes sought in this bill strengthen Chapter 30B’s provisions and provide local jurisdictions greater guidance and flexibility in selecting which procurement method to use.

The November 2019 Procurement Bulletin includes articles on: timekeeping, overtime and departure payouts for public employers; legislative initiatives from the Office of the Inspector General; and, responses to frequently asked questions.

The Office of the Inspector General's May 2019 Procurement Bulletin focuses on time-and-attendance fraud detection and prevention. We have devoted this edition of the Procurement Bulletin to how time is used and how employers can monitor it better.

The Office of the Inspector General's February 2019 Procurement Bulletin covers fraud prevention, public contracting, and cybersecurity topics.