A man previously living in North Attleborough was indicted for allegedly stealing money from the Town of Medfield during his tenure as the parks and recreation director.
Kevin Ryder, 49, was indicted by the Norfolk County Grand Jury on charges of theft over $1200 by scheme (four counts), one count of larceny under $1,200, one count of accepting illegal gratuities, and two counts of using his official position to secure an unwarranted privilege, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced on Oct. 5.
Although Ryder currently lives in Medfield, Campbell said he has an address on 135 West St. in North Attleborough.
According to Campbell, Ryder served as director of the Medfield Parks and Recreations Department from 2014 until August 2022.
Medfield officials said Ryder was not reporting the amount of cash he collected from the department, a task that is part of his job. Following these claims, an investigation by the Attorney General’s Office was launched and found evidence that Ryder had stolen over $100,000 from the town.
“A large portion of the stolen property consisted of cash, the bulk of which was generated from entrance fees and concessions at Medfield’s Hinkley Swim Pond,” Campbell said. “In addition, the investigation revealed that Ryder had purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of personal items for himself using the Town’s Amazon business account, including merchandise to support his personal side-business and electronic devices he resold on eBay.”
Campbell said Ryder also used his official position to enrich himself by allegedly selling thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment purchased by the town and keeping the proceeds.
Additionally, the investigation found that the Parks and Recreation Department financially sponsored and supported an exercise program at a local gym. Ryder received a financial kickback, representing half of the gym’s profits from the town-sponsored program.
According to Campbell, the profits Ryder received amounted to over $16,000. Ryder is expected to be arraigned in Norfolk County District Court.
