A retired Boston Police Department captain has been handed a federal prison sentence for his role in an overtime fraud scheme, as per a statement released by the Department of Justice. Richard Evans, 65, will serve one year and a day behind bars following their conviction on charges including conspiracy and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The scheme, which was run during Evans’s tenure as commander of the Evidence and Supply Management Division, ultimately cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Despite having served 37 years with the BPD, Evans was implicated in a scheme that saw officers falsely claim overtime hours, inflating their paychecks at the expense of public funds. In March 2024, a federal jury found him guilty of these charges, and following this, he has also been ordered to pay restitution of $154,249.20 and a fine of $15,000. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy highlighted the gravity of such a betrayal of public trust, stating, "Mr. Evans abused the public trust and violated his oath, and his greed corrupted others in the department," as reported by the Department of Justice. The FBI's Jodi Cohen also condemned Evans's actions, emphasizing the importance of the public’s trust in law enforcement.
Investigations revealed that from May 2012 through March 2016, while leading the Evidence and Supply Management Division, Evans took advantage of an overtime program intended to deal with overflow of evidence in the BPD’s facility. Officers rarely worked the extra hours they claimed, and the fraudulent activities were corroborated by alarm records indicating the evidence warehouse was often secured at times officers alleged they were working inside. Evans alone received over $120,000 in unwarranted overtime payments, with his total pay exceeding $200,000 annually for the years he led the unit.
The announcement of Evans’s sentencing also serves as a stern warning to public servants tempted to engage in similar misconduct. "Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that public servants who cheat and steal will be held accountable," noted Timothy C. Edmiston of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, according to a report by the Department of Justice. The Boston Police Department, under Commissioner Michael Cox, was recognized for its cooperation in bringing the fraudulent activities to light. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kunal Pasricha and Elysa Wan of the Criminal Division.
