Investigations

On February 13, 2019, Heath McAuliffe, a suspended Massachusetts State Police (MSP) trooper, was charged via information in U.S. District Court, Boston, Massachusetts, with one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving Federal funds. The charge relates to an ongoing investigation of overtime abuse at MSP. McAuliffe was arrested on December 12, 2018.

 

As a trooper assigned to Troop E, McAuliffe was responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic regulations along the Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate I-90. This was overtime work connected to the Accident and Injury Reduction Effort (AIRE) program. AIRE was intended to reduce accidents, crashes, and injuries on I-90 through an enhanced presence of MSP troopers targeting vehicles traveling at excessive speeds.

 

The information alleges that McAuliffe received overtime pay for shifts that he either did not work or from which he departed 1 to 4 hours early. He allegedly concealed his fraud by submitting citations he had altered to suggest they were issued during the shift or that were never issued.

 

MSP routinely receives DOT grants to enforce traffic regulations on public roadways.

 

DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

 

Note: Indictments, informations, and complaints are only accusations by the Government. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.