Manager Bilked Worcester Thrift Store For Years: Feds

WORCESTER, MA — A Blackstone man pleaded guilty this week to wire fraud and tax evasion charges after stealing from the Worcester thrift store where he worked as a manager, according to federal prosecutors.

Anthony Prizio, 48, was charged with six counts of wire fraud, tax evasion and unauthorized use of a person's identity. According to prosecutors, Prizio used the store's time card system to add hours to employee paychecks — including some former employees — and then kept the extra money for himself. He didn't pay taxes on the stolen income, prosecutors said.

"He would then take some or all of the wages for his own use on personal expenditures, including his home’s utility expenses, vehicle registration fees and veterinary services. As part of the scheme, Prizio caused payroll debit cards to be issued in others’ names, which he then took for himself. Additionally, Prizio took steps to conceal his fraud by misrepresenting the productivity of the Worcester store to make it appear that the store processed more items," prosecutors described in a news release.

The crimes took place over the course of more than two years between January 2019 and July 2021. Prizio was indicted in December, and will be sentenced on May 23.