Coakley Closes DiPaola Investigation With No Criminal Charges

The State House News Service reported today that Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has closed the investigation into the Middlesex Sheriff's Office under the late James DiPaola without any criminal charges, despite evidence of a "pay-to-play culture."

After a series of conflict of interest fines levied against Middlesex Sheriff's Office employees over the past year (see previous articles below), one last fine has been levied: a $4,000 fine against DiPaola's sister and campaign treasurer, Patricia Covelle, according to the State House News Service.

Yesterday, Fox 25 News reported that Covelle was discussing a deal with the Attorney General's Office and that if she took the deal, she'd pay a fine but not face criminal prosecution for improper campaign financing.

The State House News Service reported that Coakley said interviews with sheriff’s office employees revealed a perception in the office that employees who contributed to DiPaola's campaign were favored in the office, but that overall evidence did not support criminal charges.

The former sheriff ended his career amid scandals in November 2010, when he attempted to exploit a loophole in his pension that would allow him to collect a pension and a salary simultaneously, and he faced allegations of improper financing for his campaigns. DiPaola committed suicide later that same November.

For background on this story, check out these Melrose Patch links:

Nov. 23, 2010: 

Nov. 24, 2010:  

Nov. 27, 2010: 

March 23, 2011: 

Dec. 27, 2011: