News  Former Blandford Tax Collector Found Guilty of Stealing Taxpayers’ Money

The former tax collector for the town of Blandford was found guilty on March 16th of one count of embezzlement by a public official, one count of use of an official position to secure an unwarranted privilege, and one count of larceny over $250.

Leann Thompson, 48, of North Chelmsford, was indicted in December 2016 by a Hampden County grand jury as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the Massachusetts Inspector General’s Office and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Ms. Thompson was the Blandford Tax Collector from 2002 to 2011. During this time, Ms. Thompson used various methods to misappropriate money paid to the town and to conceal her improper actions. Ms. Thompson received tax payments in cash and never deposited the funds into the town bank account. Ms. Thompson also used other taxpayers’ funds and escrow checks to conceal the stolen money. The indictment had alleged that Ms. Thompson stole more than $150,000 overall from taxpayers.

Judge David Ricciardone ordered Ms. Thompson to serve two years of probation and to pay restitution of $13,093.96. This amount consists of taxpayer funds that Ms. Thompson misapplied to pay her own tax bills. Ms. Thompson is also prohibited from holding a job in the public sector and handling company finances during the probation period.