Former Medfield Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Ryder pled guilty to stealing municipal funds and exploiting his public office for financial gain, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office said in a statement Thursday.
Ryder, 51, of Medfield, worked as the town’s Parks and Recreation Department Director from 2014 to August 2022, according to the department’s website.
On October 5, 2023, Ryder was indicted on four counts of larceny over $1,200 by scheme, two counts of using official position to secure unwarranted privileges, one count of larceny under $1,200, and one count of accepting illegal gratuities, the attorney general’s office said. Ryder plead guilty to all eight charges Thursday.
The initial investigation into Ryder’s conduct began after a referral from the town of Medfield cited failure to report and turn over cash that his department collected, the statement said.
The investigation found that Ryder stole approximately $125,000 from the town, most of which was generated from entrance fees and concessions at Medfield’s Hinkley Swim Pond, the statement said.
Ryder also stole public funds via the town’s Amazon business account, which the attorney general’s office says he used to make personal purchases, support a personal side business, and buy electronic devices which he resold on eBay for a personal profit.
Additionally, the attorney general’s office said Ryder sold town-purchased youth sports equipment and kept the profits for himself.
The statement also said that Ryder, over the course of several years, developed a Parks and Recreation Department-sponsored exercise program at a local gym that generated more than $16,000 in financial kickback for the official.
Following his guilty plea, Ryder was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in the House of Correction by the Norfolk County Superior Court. In addition to serving time in prison, Ryder was also ordered to pay restitution to the Town of Medfield, the statement said.
