Timothy Dockery, a previous buyer for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), has pleaded guilty to multiple charges including bribery and procurement fraud, according to a recent announcement from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office.
Timothy Dockery Charges and Sentence
Dockery, 57, of Plymouth, faced a total of 13 charges. Specifically, he admitted to 1 count of Bribery, 2 counts of Procurement Fraud, 6 counts of Accepting Illegal Gratuities, 3 counts of Larceny, and 1 count of Conspiracy. Consequently, the court sentenced him to a year in a House of Correction and mandated two years of probation following the completion of his sentence. Additionally, Dockery has been ordered to pay a restitution of $37,860.
Engaging in Illegal Activities
During his tenure, Dockery reportedly collaborated with four different vendors to orchestrate illegal schemes. These schemes included creating counterfeit invoices and unlawfully accepting gifts in return for business favors. As a state employee, Dockery played a pivotal role in these operations, tarnishing his position and the integrity of the MBTA.
History of the Timothy Dockery Investigation
The investigation into Dockery’s actions began in 2014 when the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received an anonymous tip. By 2016, the Attorney General’s Office had joined the investigation. However, even before law enforcement got involved, the MBTA was already probing this matter independently. After the indictment in 2017, Dockery faced immediate suspension by the MBTA.
Duties and Deceptions
Dockery’s primary responsibilities at MBTA included overseeing procurement processes and contracts, particularly those related to non-inventory items like office supplies and minor construction contracts. Among the schemes, Dockery reportedly collaborated with a vendor to defraud the MBTA of roughly $38,000 using fabricated invoices. Moreover, he directed the vendor to create these fraudulent invoices, which they both profited from once paid by the MBTA.
More Allegations Emerge
Additionally, Dockery is believed to have received cash payments from this vendor as kickbacks for aiding with MBTA projects. From the numerous transactions made by the vendor with MBTA since 2011, authorities allege that Dockery pocketed a minimum of $60,000 in kickbacks. Authorities also accuse Dockery of receiving unauthorized gifts from two other vendors, breaking public employee regulations.
Shady Procurements
In another illicit maneuver, Dockery allegedly manipulated quotes to ensure a particular vendor, Sheridan, would emerge as the lowest bidder for a construction supply contract. He inflated Sheridan’s quote by $4,175, ensuring it stayed just below the false quote. Sheridan also reportedly submitted counterfeit quotes for other projects, giving a deceptive appearance of competitive bidding.
Behind the Case
Assistant Attorneys General Kathleen Celio and Douglas Sheehan from AG Campbell’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division lead the prosecution. Key investigators included Kevin Floster, William Bradford from the Office of the Inspector General, Sallyann Nelligan from AG Campbell’s Financial Investigations Division, and Massachusetts State Police tied to the Attorney General’s Office.
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