BOSTON (WHDH) - The former president for the State Police Association of Massachusetts and the union’s former lobbyist were arrested Wednesday on conspiracy and obstruction charges, officials announced.
Dana Pullman, 57, of Worcester, and Anne Lynch, 68, of Hull, were charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, honest services wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and obstruction of justice, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.
For six years, Pullman served as head of SPAM, which consisted of more than 1,500 troopers and sergeants. He resigned as president in 2018.
During that time, Lynch’s lobbying form represented SPAM in exchange for monthly retainer payments.
Federal prosecutors allege Pullman, Lynch, and others were involved in a conspiracy to defraud SPAM members and the Commonwealth of their right to honest services through fraud and deceit by taking illegal bribes and kickbacks that Pullman received from Lynch and her firm.
Lynch was also allegedly involved in a scheme to defraud a pair of companies that sought to do business with the state.
Pullman is also facing charges for allegedly embezzling and misusing SPAM funds for personal use by submitting expense reimbursement checks without receipts, bypassing SPAM’s governing executive board, and using a debit card linked to a SPAM bank account.
Prosecutors say Pullman spent thousands of dollars on meals, flowers, travel, and gifts for an individual with whom he was having romantic relations with.
Pullman was arrested by FBI agents at his home in Worcester.
Both Pullman and Lynch face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
In a statement, a state police official said, “Colonel Gilpin and her command staff demand and expect that department members follow the law and department policy in all aspects of their professional and personal lives, including union activities. The conduct as alleged in the criminal complaint represents serious offenses and violates the ideals and values of the Massachusetts State Police. The department has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the United States Attorney’s Office and continues to fulfill its mission through the countless troopers who protect our state with dedication, courage, and integrity every day.”
An investigation is ongoing.
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