Hingham Police Sergeant Gets Jail Time for Misleading Investigation, Insurance Fraud

HINGHAM, MA — A Hingham police sergeant will spend time in jail after being found guilty of misleading police officers and attempting to receive benefits for a false injury he claimed happened on the job.

Kris Phillips, 53, of Hingham, was found guilty of misleading a police investigation and two counts of filing a false insurance claim. The decision came on the heels of a three-day trial, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's office.

“Each day they put the uniform on, our police officers put their lives on the line in order to keep the public safe,” District Attorney Tim Cruz said in a statement. “The jury made the right decision in finding Mr. Phillips guilty. His unlawful actions and betrayal of trust should not tarnish the exemplary work performed day in and day out by members of the Hingham Police Department."

Phillips was sentenced to two years in jail but will serve six months in the Dukes County House of Corrections with the remaining balance suspended for three years. Additionally, Phillips was ordered to pay $1,900 in restitution, can no longer work in law enforcement, and cannot possess firearms.

On July 17, 2015, Phillips said that he was struck and sustained significant injuries by a person backing a car out of a parking spot during a paid detail at the Hingham Shipyard. A police investigation revealed that Phillips’ claim of being struck and the manner of the incident were fabricated, the DA's office said.

The investigation found that Phillips, who is out on administrative leave, misled Hingham officers responding to the accident and filed false reports of injuries as a result of the accident and fraudulently received health insurance coverage for treatment from Blue Cross/Blue Shield, according to the DA's office.

A perjury charge against Phillips was dismissed prior to the beginning of the trial.

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