TYNGSBOROUGH, Mass. — An investigation has been launched in Tyngsborough after a "significant amount of money" from cash tax payments was discovered to be missing from the town's finance department, officials tell Boston 25 News.
The irregularities were discovered in May by members of the Town Hall's financial staff. Officials said the discover was made shortly after a change in personnel and after a new financial process was implemented in the town's finance departments.
“The investigation thus far has determined that a significant amount of money from cash tax payments is missing. This has apparently been going on for a period of several years. While we are confident that we have determined how much money is missing, we cannot release the specific details at this time due to the ongoing investigation,” Tyngsborough police Chief Richard Howe said in a statement.
Town Administrator Matthew Hanson said Tyngsborough created a combined Finance Department, with oversight from an appointed Finance Director and the town also created a combined appointed Treasurer/Collector position.
As part of this change, officials said, the financial team increased internal controls, including an emphasis on new policies and procedures as well as increased oversight of financial accounts and software.
That additional oversight from the new financial team led to the discovery of the accounting irregularities, officials said.
“As a result of this information the Tyngsborough Police Department has opened an investigation into the possible theft of cash tax payments at Tyngsborough town hall,” Howe said.
A Tyngsborough police detective, as well as a Massachusetts State Police detective assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office are assisting with the investigation.
As a result, an employee at Town Hall has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation, Hanson said.
“The Town and the Tyngsborough Police Department are dedicated to a complete and thorough investigation which will result in a full accounting of all missing funds and identification of the person or persons who are responsible,” Howe said.