State Probation Department Run Like 'Criminal Enterprise,' Three Face Federal Charges


Former Probation Commissioner John J. O’Brien and his former deputy commissioners Elizabeth V. Tavares and William H. Burke III will be indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with “racketeering conspiracy” in connection with a scheme of politically-influenced hiring decisions within the department. “This sham system was used by the defendants and other members of the conspiracy to conceal the fact that the hiring decisions were predetermined and not based upon merit, but based upon the nature and extent of the sponsorship,” according to the indictment.  [Globe]