Arlington Zoning Board Chair Resigns Amid Indictment

ARLINGTON, MA — The chair of Arlington's Zoning Board of Appeals has resigned following allegations he falsely claimed federal disability benefits. Patrick Quinn, 47, was indicted last Friday on two counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Federal authorities say Quinn stole more than $420,000 in veterans and Social Security benefits over a period of nearly eight years while owning and operating Quinn Insurance Group, Inc.

In a Dec. 18 letter to the Select Board, Quinn wrote that he is immediately stepping down from the Zoning Board of Appeals due to "personal issues" that have "forced me to focus all of my time on my family at this point," YourArlington reported.

Quinn was released on conditions last week following an appearance in federal court in Boston.

According to federal authorities, the charge of theft of public funds carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making a false statement charge carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.