Town Of Dedham: A Statement From The Town Of Dedham Re: Former Veterans Agent Indicted

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

07/01/2021 3:41 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2021

A STATEMENT FROM THE TOWN OF DEDHAM RE: FORMER VETERANS AGENT INDICTED

After more than a year of assisting in a law enforcement investigation, the Town of Dedham was informed today that a Norfolk County Grand Jury issued twelve indictments against a former Town of Dedham employee.

A discrepancy in donations to the Veteran Services Department was detected in 2019 by town staff and was immediately reported to the Town Manager’s Office. Upon receiving this report, the Town of Dedham Administration contacted the Dedham Police Department and sought advice from Town Counsel. An internal hearing was conducted with the employee who was subsequently put on administrative leave. The Town of Dedham further investigated the matter and took corrective action, resulting in the employee’s termination.

“It is unfortunate that donations to our veteran population were not properly handled in accordance with our policies and standards,” said Town Manager Leon Goodwin. “With the help of a third-party auditing firm, we have conducted an internal audit and have developed stronger controls that have been put in place to protect the town from this happening in the future.”

The Town of Dedham and the Dedham Police Department have cooperated with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office and continue to provide information and support through this process.

“While the actions of the former Veteran Services Officer have been harmful to our veteran population, the Dedham Veteran Services Department has and will continue to provide exceptional service and support to our local veterans, and to connect them with vital resources,” said Veteran Services Officer Joseph Hamilton. “Every veteran can trust this department and should feel confident and comfortable to reach out to us for assistance and support at any time.”

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Media Contact: Amanda Smith
Public Information Officer
asmith@dedham-ma.gov
(781) 583-8154

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.