Kayana Szymczak for The Boston Globe
Chelsea Housing Authority director Michael E. McLaughlin told the state he makes $160,000 a year. He actually makes $360,383. His potential pension is estimated at $278,842.
October 30, 2011
Chelsea Housing Authority director Michael E. McLaughlin is one of the highest paid public housing officials in the United States, making $360,383 a year. But he reports to state officials that he makes less than half as much.
November 3, 2011
Governor Deval Patrick yesterday demanded the resignation of the Chelsea Housing Authority’s executive director after reports that he makes $360,000 a year, almost twice the pay of his counterpart in New York City.
Federal prosecutors have launched an investigation into whether federal officials or others helped former Chelsea housing chief Michael McLaughlin defraud the government, repeatedly telling him in advance about “surprise” apartment inspections so that his agency could pass with flying colors even though the buildings were poorly maintained.
State auditors did nothing about former Chelsea Housing Authority chief Michael E. McLaughlin’s salary until the gap between his disclosed and true paychecks reached $200,000.
Ex-Chelsea housing chief admits guilt in hiding big salary
Michael E. McLaughlin could face little, if any, prison time under Tuesday’s plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Governor Deval Patrick is seeking to ensure that former Chelsea housing chief Michael McLaughlin does not retire with a record state pension.
Chelsea and the state are trying to fix the city’s housing authority while the work of unraveling what’s wrong with it is still going on.
