Former Director of Boston Nonprofit Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
The founder and former CEO of the local nonprofit Violence in Boston (VIB) pleaded guilty to fraud charges in federal court in Boston.
Read the Press ReleaseOIG Investigation: Former Hopkinton Parks & Rec Director Violated Procurement Laws
A former Hopkinton Parks & Rec Director intentionally circumvented state procurement laws and violated state law and local policies regarding cash handling.
Read the Press ReleaseHouse 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments – Letter from the IG
IG Shapiro issued concerns surrounding House 56, An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Government to Committee on Public Service in regard to the bills broad expansion of the post-retirement employment options.
Read the TestimonyOIG Investigation: Cape Cod Technical School Violated Procurement Laws
The Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Bourne did not comply with state law in procuring certain construction-related services.
Read the Press ReleaseFormer Ware Fire Chief Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $20,000 from the Town of Ware and Three Regional Nonprofit Fire Associations
The former fire chief of Ware will pay $20,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to embezzlement charges in Hampshire County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Read the Press ReleaseIG Shapiro: Fare Evasion is Only Part of the Revenue Problem
IG Shapiro commended MBTA GM Philip Eng in a letter for the newly launched crack down on fare evaders while reminding him to prioritize more effective fare collection on all modes across the entire system.
Read the Press ReleaseMBTA’s Recent Initiatives for Fare Collection
IG Shapiro urged the MBTA to prioritize fare collection in addition to cracking down on fare evaders. The MBTA must fulfill its commitment to the riding public by showing that it takes fare collection seriously.
Read the LetterOIG Bulletin, September 2025
This issue of the OIG Bulletin includes articles on the OIG's Northeastern Co-ops, using requests for information, how to manage risks and measure success for new programs, and other updates from the OIG.
Read the BulletinMunicipalities Can Mitigate Risks of Accepting Cash – OIG in Your Inbox
Accepting cash creates an inherent challenge that is best to address head-on, while being mindful of practical limitations to eliminating all risks. While your municipality may feel obligated to accept cash as legal tender, and may even be required in some circumstances under Massachusetts law to accept cash when offering goods and services for sale, there are several actions you can take as a steward of public resources to limit the risks.
Read the AdvisoryLease of Municipal Land – Solar Development
The OIG reviewed the procurement and lease agreement for a solar array on municipal land in the town of Marshfield.
Read the LetterHighway Service Plazas Lease and Concessions Agreement – Key Aspects for Final Agreement
The OIG provided guidance to MassDOT on key lease provisions as it prepared to negotiate the Highway Service Plazas 35-year lease with the apparent successful bidder.
Read the LetterGuidance for Municipalities on Opioid Abatement Funds and Chapter 30B
The Office of the Inspector General offers the following guidance to clarify how public procurement law, specifically Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 30B), applies to a municipality’s expenditure of opioid abatement funds. Note that all purchases using opioid abatement funds are also subject to the terms of the settlement agreements between the Commonwealth and opioid industry defendants.
Read the Advisory