Press Release  Ipswich Police Officer Arraigned on Larceny Charges

Newburyport, Massachusetts — Ipswich Police Officer Michael Thomas, 56, of Ipswich, pleaded not guilty today in Ipswich District Court at Newburyport to larceny over $250.

Thomas, who is on administrative leave, is accused of stealing a total of $11,056.89 from two accounts belonging to the Ipswich Police Association.  The thefts are alleged to have occurred between July of 2009 and September of 2013.  Thomas was secretary/treasurer of the association from 2006 – 2013.

Judge Peter Doyle released Thomas on personal recognizance, but issued a bail warning, meaning that if Thomas gets into any further legal trouble while this case is pending he could be held without bail for up to 60 days.   He will return to court on October 27, for a pre-trial hearing.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Stephen Patten represented the Commonwealth at arraignment.  Thomas was represented by Attorney Ernest Stone.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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