Could it Happen in Lisle?

Dec 7, 2011
Boston Business Journal

Saugus library employee charged with $800,000 theft

Federal prosecutors Wednesday charged a 65-year-old former employee of the Saugus public library with stealing $800,000 from the institution over seven years. 

[Saugus, MA is a Boston suburb, population 26,628]

Having the book thrown at her is nothing new for Linda E. Duffy who served time in the 1990's after being charged with mail fraud, perjury and conspiracy.

In the latest alleged scam, an indictment alleges, Duffy set up an account at a regional bank in the library's name, giving herself access to any funds later deposited in the account. She then, according to the indictment, deposited library money for everything from fines on overdue books to $450,000 in donations from the General Electric Fundation into that account.

Over time, prosecutors allege, Duffy took money from the account for expenses including her mortgage, car payments, jewelry and gifts to a family member.

Duffy, who allegedly quit her job and drained the account as authorities were circling in on her, is charged with mail fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft and forfeiture.

In 1992, prosecutors charged with creating fake claims at the insurance company where she worked and pocketing about $120,000 in checks she created to settle those bogus claims. She was sentenced to 21 months in prison.