Norfolk County sheriff spent campaign cash on personal business ventures, state officials say

Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott agreed to pay a total of $36,500 after state regulators determined he unlawfully spent campaign funds on personal business ventures. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance identified over $31,000 in suspicious expenditures, including a media relations course and food for real estate meetings. McDermott claimed the funds were intended for legitimate political purposes but recognized they could be perceived as personal or business-related. He will also forgive a $10,000 candidate loan made to his campaign, which raises questions about the accountability of campaign financing. McDermott has not faced criminal charges, and the Office of Campaign and Political Finance decided not to refer the case to other government agencies.

This incident follows a series of legal issues involving other sheriffs in Massachusetts, highlighting a troubling trend in the state's law enforcement leadership. McDermott's case underscores the importance of strict adherence to campaign finance laws and documentation norms. As the sitting president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, his actions may impact public trust in local law enforcement.