An Uxbridge man who once held the trusted position of Contracting Officer for the Department of Defense has been sentenced for his role in a scheme to defraud the government. Thomas Bouchard, 61, received a 12-month and one-day prison sentence followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and theft of government funds, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Bouchard was arrested in July 2020 alongside Chantelle Boyd, a co-defendant, with whom he is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme from 2014 to 2018. Reports indicate that Boyd was placed in a "no show" job through Evolution Enterprise, Inc., a contractor with the government, and accrued over $490,000 during her employment, contributing little to no substantial work. The Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy highlighted the betrayal of trust involved, stating, "Those of us who are privileged to work in public service owe a duty to the taxpayers to act with integrity at all times. This defendant clearly failed in adhering to this solemn oath and abused his position of trust to line his own pockets."
Bouchard's misuse of government funds extended to elaborate, government-funded trips under the pretense of work. He and Boyd partook in 31 trips to places like Orlando, Fla., and enjoyed leisure activities such as pool time and visiting Disney parks during supposed business hours, as the Department of Justice detailed. In efforts to cover up the personal nature of their travels, Bouchard falsely manipulated travel documents to fraudulently reimburse Boyd for expenses. Special Agent in Charge Joseph Dattoria of the GSA Office of Inspector General did not mince words, stating, "GSA OIG special agents are committed to working with DOJ and investigative partners to ensure that taxpayer dollars are properly spent and protected."
Boyd pled guilty to one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of theft of government funds and false declarations on April 3, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing scheduled for August 14, 2024. Echoing a sentiment of accountability, Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service affirmed, "Investigating individuals who hold positions of trust and misuse Department of Defense funds is a top priority." Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil J. Gallagher, Jr. of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is handling the prosecution of the case.
