Did the Norfolk County Sheriff Misuse Campaign Funds?

Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott has agreed to pay nearly £36,500 to resolve allegations of misusing campaign funds for personal business purposes. The settlement includes a civil forfeiture of £7,500 from McDermott’s personal funds and nearly £29,000 from his campaign committee, along with forgiving a £10,000 candidate loan.

Last updated: 10 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• McDermott has agreed to pay a total of approximately £36,500 due to improper campaign fund usage.
• Regulators highlighted over £31,000 in questionable payments relating to personal and business expenses.
• The sheriff's expenditures included funds for a media relations course and food for real estate meetings.
• Despite the allegations, McDermott maintains that the funds were intended for legitimate political activities.
• This incident marks the third case of misconduct among local sheriffs in the past year in Massachusetts.

The Allegations Against McDermott

According to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF), Sheriff McDermott's campaign committee made over £31,000 in suspect payments between 2022 and 2024. These included expenditures that allegedly served his personal interests, including costs associated with his now-defunct real estate company. Notably, the OCPF found some documentation to be incomplete, raising further concerns about the nature of the spending.

Details of the Settlement

As part of the settlement reached on September 10, 2023, McDermott will pay £7,500 from his personal accounts and nearly £29,000 from his campaign funds. Additionally, he agreed to forgive a £10,000 loan he made to his own campaign. This decision aims to put a close to the investigation without further legal repercussions, as the OCPF stated it would not refer the matter to the Attorney General’s Office or any other governmental entity.

Specific Expenditures Under Scrutiny

Among the suspicious expenditures cited by the OCPF were payments for a “media relations course and consult,” as well as the purchase of teleprompter software. Furthermore, McDermott reportedly used campaign funds for a £5,650 donation and fundraiser for a nonprofit he established. There was also a £225 charge at BJ’s Wholesale Club for food supplied at a meeting for his real estate business, which raised eyebrows regarding the appropriateness of such spending.

McDermott's Defence and Justifications

In a statement included in the settlement agreement, McDermott defended his expenditures, asserting that they were intended for political purposes. He described himself as “a coach and mentor to real estate professionals” and noted that his social media presence often serves to engage with local investment groups. He clarified that he has never accepted any payment for speaking engagements, positioning these activities as opportunities to build political support rather than direct income.

Acceptance of Accountability

Despite maintaining that the campaign expenses were legitimate, McDermott acknowledged the potential for misinterpretation, stating, “I fully understand the dual-use implications.” He admitted that some expenses could be seen as overlapping with his personal or professional pursuits and recognised that he failed to comply with strict documentation norms under state law. McDermott expressed his commitment to comply with the repayment schedule and civil forfeiture as a means of exercising accountability and ensuring finality in the matter.

Wider Context of Misconduct Among Sheriffs

This incident is part of a troubling trend within the Massachusetts sheriffs' offices, with McDermott becoming the third sheriff in the state to face allegations of misconduct in the past year. Previously, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi accepted responsibility for a drunk driving charge, while Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has pleaded not guilty to charges related to extortion of a cannabis retailer. These cases have raised questions about the integrity and accountability standards within law enforcement leadership in the state.

Future Implications and What Comes Next

While McDermott has not faced any criminal charges, the fallout from these allegations may have lasting implications for his political career. As the sitting president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, McDermott’s actions will be scrutinised not only by constituents but also by his peers. The agreement with OCPF allows him to move forward without further legal entanglements, but public trust may take longer to rebuild. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political fundraising and spending.

Conclusion

As political landscapes continue to evolve, issues surrounding campaign finance and ethical conduct remain critical topics for voters. The actions taken by Sheriff Patrick McDermott highlight the need for stringent adherence to campaign finance laws, ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their financial dealings. What measures should be taken to prevent similar issues in the future, and how can voters ensure their representatives uphold the highest standards of integrity?

#CampaignFinance #PoliticalIntegrity #SheriffAccountability

FAQs

What are the allegations against Sheriff McDermott?

Sheriff Patrick McDermott faced allegations of unlawfully spending campaign funds on personal business expenses, including payments for a media relations course and for food for real estate meetings.

How much is McDermott required to pay?

McDermott has agreed to pay a total of approximately £36,500, which includes £7,500 from his personal funds and nearly £29,000 from his campaign fund, as well as forgiving a £10,000 loan to his campaign.

What does McDermott say about the expenditures?

McDermott claims that the expenditures were intended for legitimate political purposes and acknowledges that they could be interpreted as relating to personal or business interests.

Have there been other cases of misconduct among sheriffs in Massachusetts?

Yes, McDermott is the third local sheriff in Massachusetts to face allegations of misconduct in the past year, following incidents involving drunk driving and extortion charges by other sheriffs.

What happens next for Sheriff McDermott?

While McDermott is not facing criminal charges, he will need to comply with the repayment and civil forfeiture agreement, and his actions will continue to be scrutinised by the public and the media.