Former Burlington Housing Director Pleads Not Guilty To Misusing Funds
BURLINGTON (CBS) – A former Burlington Housing Authority executive director pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that she misused taxpayer funds while holding the position.
Maureen Lynch appeared in Woburn Superior Court on the charges, which were first reported by the I-Team.
Lynch is accused of using public-issued credit cards for private expenses, including dental work and her daughter's wedding. She allegedly maxed out the credit card issued to her by the Housing Authority.
She did not comment following Wednesday's court appearance.
Lynch's attorney David Yannetti said she did not steal anything. Yannetti added that the whole situation was simply a mistake.
"She did a lot of good for the Housing Authority, brought a lot of money in for people who needed housing through grants over the years," attorney David Yannetti said. "I don't think any one of us would want to be judged by the mistakes that we made as opposed to all the good that we did."
Former Burlington Town Meeting member Lou Rabino said outside the courthouse that he was surprised to learn about the charges against Lynch.
"To me a mistake is when you make a right turn as opposed to a left turn. Not when you run up $20,000 in credit card charges," said Rabino.
Lynch was released on personal recognizance following her court appearance.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
