"Arroyo cleared in fraud verdict; Ex-city firefighter was bodybuilder while on disability" August 16, 2011|By David Abel, Globe Staff
After deliberating less than four hours, a federal jury acquitted former Boston firefighter Albert Arroyo yesterday of fraud charges, which were brought after he participated in bodybuilding competitions and other strenuous activity while on disability leave.
The not guilty verdict on two counts of mail fraud shook Arroyo, who quivered with emotion, bowed his head, and burst into tears.
“We’re extremely gratified that the jury was able to consider all of the evidence and put aside the public outcry,’’ said Timothy Watkins, Arroyo’s attorney, after the verdict was read in US District Court in Boston. “The public didn’t know the facts. The system worked.’’
Prosecutors walked out of the courtroom without commenting.
In a statement, US Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said the verdict was a “disappointment.’’
“Taxpayers expect an honest day’s work for a fair day’s pay from every public servant,’’ she said. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute allegations of these types of frauds.’’
Any banksters been arrested yet?
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And it turns out government sloppiness is what led to acquittal?
"Arroyo jurors say charge didn’t fit; Most felt there was scheme; none saw mail fraud" August 17, 2011|By David Abel and Andrew Ryan and Vivian Yee, Globe Staff | Globe Correspondent
Jurors who acquitted former Boston firefighter Albert Arroyo said yesterday that they believed he committed fraud when he filed for disability leave while attending bodybuilding competitions, but that prosecutors pursued the wrong charges.
They said most of the 12-member panel agreed with prosecutors that Arroyo fraudulently sought a $65,000 annual pension.
But they did not accept that he was guilty of two counts of mail fraud, a federal crime that could have put the muscular 49-year-old behind bars for up to 20 years....
The jury - which included two nonpracticing attorneys, at least three college students or recent graduates, and other professionals - concluded prosecutors did not prove that Arroyo knowingly used the mail to further his alleged scheme to retire on a tax-free pension. It may have been a technicality, but it was key to the jury’s verdict....
Is it the law or not the law?
Globe sounds as if it is disappointed it didn't get to burn this guy at the stake.
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Look, I'm not for taxpayers being taken advantage of at all; however, I am sick of the agenda-pushing, elitist paper ripping cops, firefighters, and teachers.
