QUINCY ‒ City Solicitor Jim Timmins told councilors that fraud cannot be prevented in municipal government as they pressed city officials for stronger safeguards after former Elder Services director Tom Clasby admitted stealing at least $136,000 from Quincy seniors.
"There aren't prophylactic measures that can be taken against fraud," Timmins said. "It can't happen, especially in municipal government where pretty much every department is understaffed."
This second contentious city council oversight hearing on Sept. 29 on the Tom Clasby embezzlement case set in motion a tense debate over oversight, whistleblower protections and whether the city has learned from the scandal.
Clasby, the former head of elder services, stole at least $136,000 from Quincy seniors between 2019 and 2024 through purchase orders, a scheme involving a fraudulent vendor and thefts of virtually all cash receipts from the senior center. He is currently serving a six-month sentence in federal prison.
Asked about the city's whistleblower policy, Timmins answered: "I don't know about that ... That's for the HR Department to answer. This is about Tom Clasby. It's not about whistleblower policies."
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