Convicted Detective Retains $60,000 Pension Despite Fraud Conviction

Key Details

Detective Robert Kennedy, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud, will continue to receive his $5,000 monthly pension, as decided by the retirement board in Stoneham, Massachusetts. His annual pension, amounting to $60,000, ranks as the 40th highest among 286 Stoneham retirees, according to data from OpenTheBooks.com.

Background of the Case

Kennedy was convicted in federal court following an NBC10 Boston investigation that revealed he had evaded $50,000 in rent payments, leading to multiple evictions from apartments in the Boston area. Despite earning over $730,000 in salary from 2017 to 2022, Kennedy spent his income on lavish meals and what his defense attorney termed as "excessive gambling."

Landlord's Testimony

A couple who rented their apartment to Kennedy testified that he used a counterfeit Social Security number to falsify his credit score and secure the lease. While Kennedy was never convicted of forgery, he refused to pay rent even after the FBI indicted him. Prosecutors later ordered him to pay $14,000 to the couple, who informed NBC10 Boston that they have yet to receive any payment.

Outcome of the Case

Kennedy received a sentence of two years probation and 90 days of home confinement. However, the Stoneham Retirement Board unanimously determined that his crime was unrelated to his police duties and occurred in his personal life. Consequently, by law, Kennedy is entitled to retain his pension.

Contradictory Opinions

The board's decision appears to contradict a written report from federal prosecutors reviewed by NBC10 Boston during Kennedy's trial. Prosecutors argued that Kennedy's crime was a premeditated scheme that he executed using his position as a Stoneham police detective. However, attorney Michael Sacco, during Kennedy's pension hearing, stated, "While this decision should in no way be construed as excusing his reprehensible conduct, the standard is not the conduct itself, but whether there is a legal or factual link between his crimes and his position."

Bottom Line

It seems clear that taxpayers should not be responsible for funding $60,000 pensions for convicted criminals. This case raises questions about the legal and ethical implications of such decisions. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you believe Kennedy should retain his pension despite his conviction? Please share this article with your friends and engage in the discussion. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.