Ex-Beverly Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Theft

BEVERLY, MA — A former Beverly police detective won't have to serve jail time after pleading guilty to three counts of larceny of more than $250. William Gates, 69, of Beverly, was sentenced to two years probation, with the first 40 days being served under house arrest. Gates was originally charged with 14 accounts after being accused of writing checks from Beverly's Franco-American Club to his personal account when he served as the club's treasurer in 2013 and 2014.

According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, Gates repaid the club after reaching a settlement in a civil case. He suffers from multiple sclerosis which requires him to use a wheelchair and other health problems. As art of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped seven other larceny counts and four counts of misuse of corporate credit.