George Finch, Overtime Fraud, Massachusetts 2023

Former Boston Police Sergeant George Finch has been charged with a brazen overtime fraud scheme that bilked the city’s police department of more than $150,000. According to court documents, Finch, 59, and his colleagues in the Evidence Control Unit (ECU) routinely departed overtime shifts early, but submitted false and fraudulent overtime slips claiming to have worked the full shift.

The scheme, which allegedly began in March 2015, involved two types of overtime shifts. The first, called ‘purge’ overtime, was performed from 4-8 p.m. on weekdays and involved reducing the inventory of the evidence warehouse. Despite the warehouse being closed and locked by 6 p.m. or earlier, Finch and his colleagues submitted false overtime slips claiming to have worked until 8 p.m.

The second shift, called ‘kiosk’ overtime, occurred once a month on Saturdays and involved collecting materials from kiosks located in each of the city’s police districts and transporting it to an incinerator in Saugus. Officers performing this shift would frequently complete the work early, often within four hours, but still submitted overtime slips claiming to have worked eight-and-one-half hours.

Finch, who personally collected approximately $11,310 for overtime hours he did not work, is the 11th officer to be charged as a result of the investigation into overtime at the evidence warehouse. Three, including Finch, have now pleaded guilty or have agreed to do so.

The charge of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. The charge of conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Finch is set to appear via videoconference in federal court in Boston at a date to be set by the Court. The investigation was conducted by the Boston Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the Inspector General.

Finch’s case is a stark reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in our public institutions. The people of Boston deserve better than to have their tax dollars wasted on frivolous overtime claims. We will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant: George Finch

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Date: March 2015 (alleged start of scheme)

Sentence or Outcome: Finch has agreed to plead guilty and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine

Dollar Amount: Over $150,000 in losses to the BPD, with Finch personally collecting approximately $11,310

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