Boston Deputy Chief Denies $50K Theft; Living Lavishly

Nov. 26, 2014
District Fire Chief Edward A. Scigliano IV pleaded not guilty to larceny and procurement fraud.

A Boston fire chief was “shocked” to find himself accused of stealing close to $50,000 and lavishing his Kingston home with a 52-inch HD TV, indoor and outdoor furniture and fitness equipment, his lawyer said yesterday

“My client is an individual whose entire life has been devoted to service — service to his family, service to our country and service to the Boston Fire Department. He’s not guilty of these charges and looks forward to his day in court. He’s a person who has risen through the ranks. He’s a highly respected firefighter,” attorney Michael Doolin said after District Fire Chief Edward A. Scigliano IV, 45, an Air Force veteran of Desert Storm, pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court to procurement fraud and larceny charges.

A tentative trial date of Aug. 3 has been set. Scigliano, who for roughly a third of his 20 years with BFD has been drillmaster of the Boston Fire Academy on Moon Island, was released on personal recognizance with no conditions by Clerk Magistrate Gary Wilson.

Assistant Attorney General Peter Mullin said investigators have evidence Scigliano was reaching out to witnesses in spring 2012 and coaching them on what to tell police if they were contacted. Instead, Mullin said, the witnesses called prosecutors.

Scigliano is on administrative leave without pay from his $152,000-a-year job.

Mullin said Scigliano’s duties included “acting as a contact for the Fire Department with regards to the acquisition of fire apparatus.” Scigliano, he said, told Greenwood Emergency Vehicles “he had the permission of the fire commissioner” to spend credit balances and received checks for more than $32,000.

Mullin said Scigliano told Northeast Rescue Systems the department was building a shed on Moon Island and needed lumber. Northeast provided $2,500 in gift cards to Home Depot and Lowe’s, which Mullin said Scigliano used to buy a seven-piece patio furniture set.

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©2014 the Boston Herald

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