MSP trooper agrees to plead guilty in ongoing overtime abuse investigation

Another suspended Massachusetts State Police trooper agreed to plead guilty in connection to an ongoing overtime abuse investigation.

Heath McAuliffe, a 40-year-old Hopkinton native, agreed to plead guilty to one count of embezzlement from an agency receiving federal funds, pursuant to a plea agreement.

Court documents say McAuliffe was assigned to Troop E, responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic regulations along the Mass. Pike.

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In 2016, McAuliffe earned about $164,680, including about $60,908 in overtime pay.

The year prior, McAuliffe earned about $180,215, including $83,496 in overtime pay.

McAuliffe agreed to plead guilty to collecting $7,860 for overtime hours that he didn't work between August of 2015 and August of 2015, after being paid for overtime shifts that he either didn't work at all, arrived late for or left early from.

He allegedly submitted fraudulent citations designed to make it look like he had worked overtime hours that he hadn't, and allegedly falsely claimed in State Police paperwork and payroll entries that he had worked the entirety of the shifts.

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In 2015 and 2016, Massachusetts State Police received annual benefits from the United States Department of Transportation in excess of $10,000.

"Thus far, eight MSP troopers have been charged in the ongoing investigation," United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said. "Seven have previously pleaded guilty."

A date for the plea hearing hasn't been scheduled.

Cox Media Group