Rockland Trust Bank teller charged with embezzlement in Boston

BOSTON (WLNE) — Kevin Hayden, District Attorney of Suffolk County, announced a Rockland Trust Bank employee was arraigned for stealing thousands of dollars from their South Boston branch.

According to court documents, Gunnar O’Neil, 30, of Cambridge, was charged with larceny by embezzlement and was released on personal recognizance, ordered to stay away from the bank and have no contact with current bank employees.

Officials said on December 12, 2022, Boston police spoke to Rockland Trust security who reported to have video and physical evidence of an employee at the West Broadway Branch stealing money from the bank.

After auditing O’Neil’s transaction logs, the bank said they determined the thefts took place between September and November in 2022. Security footage also shows O’Neil tucking cash in between his teller cash box and the drawer where the box sits.

Authorities said the amount O’Neil stole totaled $12,100, taken in small amounts at a time.

Rockland Trust security said the bank noticed the discrepancies on November 21. The bank placed O’Neill on leave pending an investigation and terminated him shortly after.

“We too often see defendants who think that sizable thefts will go unnoticed. Banks are in the business of keeping detailed financial records. Anyone who thinks they won’t get caught stealing from a business or their workplace is making a big mistake and is jeopardizing their future to boot,” DA Hayden said.