DIGHTON, Mass. (WHDH) — Town officials in Dighton have accused Fire Chief Antone Roderick of abusing town money to purchase women’s clothing.
Officials said Roderick used his clothing allowance afforded by the town’s fire department to purchase women’s workout gear and lied about it to police. Following an emergency meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the decision was made to suspend the chief without pay.
According to court documents, the chief allegedly altered some receipts to say “men’s wear” when he submitted them for reimbursement. Roderick allegedly told investigators he prefers a slim fit, which is why he shopped for the women’s items.
After a months-long investigation, Roderick was charged with violating public employee standards of conduct and larceny. Police believe he bought that clothing, worth under $250, for someone else.
The Chairman of the Dighton Board of Selectmen called an emergency meeting to discuss spending or firing the chief, saying there is more to the story.
“After tomorrow, those figures are going to change. It has been a substantial amount more that has shown up,” Chairman Dean Cronin said, adding that the numbers could be in the thousands.
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