Former Quincy Official Pleads Guilty To Embezzling City

QUINCY, MA — A former Quincy official pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges claiming he embezzled tens of thousands of dollars from the city.

Thomas F. Clasby Jr., 61, of Fitchburg, misused Quincy’s purchasing system to pay personal expenses and obtain cash, prosecutors said in a news release.

Clasby was director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services from 1999 to 2024, and began bilking his employer in 2019, according to the release.

He pleaded guilty in Boston federal court to embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen property. A grand jury indicted Clasby in January 2025.

Among the expenses he paid with city funds: $8,950 to a music studio for recording Clasby singing; $2,236 for 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips; $4,800 for a Toyota Prius; and $1,658 for a framed self-portrait.

In addition, Clasby arranged for Quincy to pay over $38,000 to a New York consulting company owned by a friend, prosecutors said. The consulting company never provided goods or services to the city. Instead, Clasby’s friend cashed the checks and delivered the money to Clasby at locations including a highway rest stop in Framingham.

Starting in June 2021, the U.S. attorney's office also said in the release, Clasby stole the majority of cash receipts generated by the Department of Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy.

Clasby is due to be sentenced June 17. He could face up to 10 years in prison for the embezzlement and fraud charges, and up to 20 years for mail and wire fraud. Each charge also provides for a potential fine of up to $250,000.