Judge Clears Boston Fire Chief Of Pension Fraud, Calls System "Flawed"
BOSTON (AP) - A federal judge has acquitted a retired Boston district fire chief of pension fraud, but criticized a "flawed" system.
Judge Edward Harrington dismissed the case against 67-year-old James Famolare before it went to a jury Friday.
The Boston Globe reports Harrington also said the case exposed problems with the fire department's disability pension system, which he said "abuses the taxpayers." The case followed a Globe series on pensions.
Famolare was indicted in 2009 after allegedly conspiring to retire on disability at a higher scale than his regular pay. He said he injured his back on a temporary, higher-paid assignment. His lawyer said he never intended fraud.
In August, a jury also acquitted former firefighter Albert Arroyo of fraud. His case drew attention after he was photographed in a bodybuilding competition weeks after filing for disability.
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