Florida Woman Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Pandemic Relief Fraud
The defendant was also ordered to pay $222,074 in restitution.
Read the Press ReleaseIG Shapiro Urges MBTA to Prioritize Fare Collection
Robust fare collection is a matter of quality, integrity and efficiency in the operation of the MBTA. While fare evasion is akin to fraud, the commuter rail operator’s failure to collect fares and the MBTA’s failure to enforce the operator’s obligation to collect fares is waste and abuse.
Read the LetterIG Shapiro Urges MBTA to Prioritize Fare Collection
IG Shapiro called on the MBTA to make fare collection a priority now and in the upcoming contract for the commuter rail.
Read the Press ReleaseOIG Releases Annual Report on Public Healthcare
MassHealth and Health Safety Net 2025 Annual Report
Read the Press ReleaseOIG Investigation Finds that City Overpaid Everett Mayor $180,000
IG Shapiro calls on the Everett City Council to recover the money.
Read the Press ReleaseImproper Longevity Payments – Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria
In a letter to the Everett City Council, IG Shapiro detailed an OIG investigation that found that $180,000 in longevity payments were improperly paid to Mayor Carlo DeMaria. He also called on the City Council to conduct an audit of all payments made to the mayor and recover any other overpayments discovered through the audit.
Read the LetterOIG Completes Review of Cape Cod Airport’s Use of Federal Pandemic Relief Funds
The OIG found that the Cape Cod Gateway Airport used federal pandemic relief funds appropriately.
Read the Press ReleaseCape Cod Gateway Airport COVID-19 Grant Funding Review
The OIG’s ISAU division by Chapter 6C
mandate, the Unit reviewed Cape Cod Gateway Airport’s (Cape Cod) use of certain federal grant funds. This included reviewing grants received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program – Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (CRRSAA), and the Airport Rescue Grant – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) (collectively referred to as “COVID-19 grant funding”).
Practical Recommendations for Program Performance Management
The Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has a statutory mission under Chapter 12A of the Massachusetts General Laws to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds at the state and municipal levels. Pursuant to this authority, the OIG is issuing this advisory with practical recommendations for the Commonwealth, agencies, municipalities, and other public entities to assess
whether governmental programs and grants are effective.
IG Shapiro’s Statement on the Firing of Federal Inspectors General
Boston, MA — “While it is prerogative of any incoming president to make personnel changes, the law matters and must be followed. The abrupt dismissal of more than a dozen federal inspectors general, without 30-day notice to Congress and an explanation violates the law. Further,…
Read the Press ReleaseResponse Letter from Li-Ro Hill re: Dexter Park and Fisher Hill – Disposal of Surplus Inventory
The Li-Ro Construction Management Company responded to the October 18, 2024 letter from the OIG concerning the disposal of surplus inventory in the town of Orange.
Read the LetterPreparing for the Next Emergency Now
While no one can predict the exact timing, we can all predict that the next emergency will present itself at some point in the future. Thus, the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (OIG) looks to partner with Massachusetts state and local government leaders to prepare for the next emergency now. Developing a framework for an adaptable plan before the next crisis occurs is a critical step for what is, in fact, a foreseeable role that state and local governments are asked to play.
Read the Advisory