Ex MA State Police Union Boss Convicted In Racketeering Case

WORCESTER, MA — The former leader of the State Police Association of Massachusetts union was convicted Thursday on multiple charges related to racketeering, fraud and obstruction of justice, according to federal prosecutors.

Dana Pullman, 60, of Worcester, was first arrested in 2019 on charges of racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, among others. He and former SPAM lobbyist Ann Lynch — who was facing similar charges — went on trial in October.

Between 2012 and 2018, the pair conspired to defraud both the State Police Association and the commonwealth, federal prosecutors have said. In 2014, a $22 million settlement resulted in Lynch's firm being overcompensated for work on the case to the tune of $350,000. In return, Lynch gave Pullman a kickback of $20,000.

Pullman's share of the money between the fraud and bribes totaled at least $75,000, officials said. He was also charged with embezzling funds from the union for personal use. Federal prosecutors said along with accepting bribes and kickbacks, Pullman used the state police debit card on purchases that included $9,000 in flowers, lavish meals, iTunes gift cards and trips to Miami to meet his mistress.

During the trial, Pullman and Lynch's attorneys argued that many of the payments were legitimate, not bribes.

"Being a police officer is a noble and valued profession. It is an honor and privilege to serve as a member of law enforcement," U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said after the verdict Thursday. "With that honor and privilege comes immense responsibility. Regardless of whether some may think it’s unfair, as members of law enforcement, we are and should be held to a higher standard."

Pullman and Lynch are set to be sentenced in March.