Police chief indicted on extortion, money laundering charges
BOSTON -- A Massachusetts police chief finds himself on the other side of the law.Lee Police Chief Joseph Buffis has been indicted on federal extortion and money laundering charges.Buffis is accused of taking a $4,000 donation from two people who were facing prostitution related charges. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the check was made out to the Edward J. Laliberte Toy Fund, a holiday toy fund that Buffis controlled. They say he deposited the check into the fund and then withdrew $3,990. Buffis then deposited that money into a joint bank account he shared with his wife. The U.S. Attorney's Office then said Buffis spent the money to pay various personal expenses, and when he was asked about it by fellow law enforcement officers, he lied about where the money had gone to. To be entrusted to serve and protect is a great honor and privilege. The alleged actions of Chief Buffis disgrace the many incredible law enforcement stewards who uphold and enforce the law. Actions like these threaten the credibility of our justice system, and we will not stand idly by and allow the trust of our communities to be violated, said United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz.If convicted, Buffis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the counts followed by five years of supervised release, and $250,000 fine. Buffis will be summoned to appear in court for his initial appearance.If you or someone you know donated cash or toys to the Edward J. Lalilberte Toy Fund or for those who have applied to the Edward J. Laliberte Toy Fund, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Resident Agency, at (413) 732-0159.
