Former Ipswich School Department Employee Charged with Larceny

For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003

Former Ipswich School Department Employee Charged with Larceny

IPSWICH – After a thorough investigation into allegations of theft reported by the Ipswich Public Schools, Ipswich Police Chief Paul Nikas announces that a former school employee has been charged in connection with the theft of two Commercial Floor Strippers from the schools in town.

PAUL BEDARD, AGE 58, OF IPSWICH was charged with One count of Larceny over $250 and Three Counts of Attempting to Commit Larceny over $250 for allegedly stealing the floor stripping equipment from Ipswich Public Schools and selling them on eBay.

“It is unfortunate to learn that a fellow community employee has allegedly stolen from the people whose job it is to serve,” Chief Nikas said. “Our detectives acted deliberately and appropriately to put an end to this alleged scheme, and I would like to thank Ipswich Public Schools for their support and cooperation during the investigation.”

Former and present school employees, and concerned citizens and parents had reported several patterns of continuing larcenous schemes, which included stolen musical instruments, electronics, and other pieces of technology and equipment from the four Ipswich Public Schools. These incident reports led to the investigation and charges.

Detective Peter Dziadose and School Resource Officer Shawn Smith worked in collaboration with the school district’s support staff in order to determine a pattern in the nearly identical thefts. After receiving several anonymous tips regarding eBay postings for auction items similar to those missing from the schools, investigators were able to identify the alleged seller as BEDARD.

BEDARD will appear in Ipswich District Court on May 14.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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