Investigation charges former Providence employee with embezzlement
By: Rachael Perry
rperry@abc6.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – According to Providence Police, a former city employee has been charged with embezzlement and unlawful appropriation and forgery, after an investigation was conducted into the sale of plots at the North Burial Ground.
Authorities say Stefon Washington turned himself in to police around 7 a.m. Friday.
Washington was terminated in 2015 as a result of the investigation said Evan England, a spokesman for the city.
An investigation was launched in September 2015 after a supervisor in the parks department told Parks Supt. Wendy Nillson that Washington was "buying land at the North Burial ground, leaving the deeds empty and then reselling the land for a profit."
Washington admitted during an interview with police, that he did purchase "pre-need grave plots" at the burial ground.
Providence Police say Washington would also buy monuments online then profit from the monuments when he sold them.
An ownership agreement that included a city of Providence header and Washington’s signature was obtained, but according to Providence Police it was a false document.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016
