Local ethics commission officials found that Thomas Brady, a former Norfolk County sheriff’s deputy, broke conflict of interest laws by having sheriff’s office plumbers complete work at his home for free.
Brady, who previously held the position of assistant deputy superintendent of jail operations at the Norfolk sheriff’s office, recently resigned from his job after being issued a termination notice due to “failure to meet expectations and standards.” The state Ethics Commission’s Enforcement Division revealed that Brady had requested sheriff’s office plumbers to work on his home on four separate occasions in 2021 and 2022, including tasks such as replacing a shower head, water heater, boiler repair, and replacing the boiler’s circulator pump. Shockingly, these plumbers completed the work during their official work hours without receiving any compensation, and the sheriff’s office was not reimbursed for the time spent on Brady’s personal projects.
During one incident, Brady allegedly compensated each worker with a bottle of wine, which only added fuel to the fire of his unethical behavior. The state investigation highlighted the coercive nature of Brady’s requests, given his high rank and position within the sheriff’s office. As a result, the ethics commission has scheduled a hearing for Brady’s case on May 29, where he could face fines of up to $10,000 for each violation of the state’s ethics laws.
As the news broke, questions arose about the extent of Brady’s actions and the potential impact on the reputation of the sheriff’s office. It remains unclear why Brady thought it was acceptable to take advantage of his position in such a blatant manner, causing many to wonder about the ethical standards upheld within the department. The upcoming hearing will shed more light on the situation, but one thing is certain – Brady’s actions have raised serious concerns about the integrity of those in positions of power.
In the midst of these allegations, the sheriff’s office has yet to provide a public statement on the matter, leaving many to speculate about the internal repercussions faced by Brady and potential changes needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The outcome of the hearing will undoubtedly have lasting implications for both Brady and the sheriff’s office, as they navigate the fallout from this troubling revelation. Only time will tell how this scandal will impact the trust and credibility of those tasked with upholding the law in Norfolk County.
