HAVERHILL - Former Department of Public Works Director James Flaherty and his son Kevin face five years in jail following their conviction on felony larceny charges earlier this afternoon.
Both men remain free until their June 30 sentencing. Kevin Flaherty, who also worked at the DPW, faces additional penalties for his conviction on presentation of a false claim. The father and son were both found not guilty of procurement fraud.
The jury returned the verdict within hours of closing arguments. The state argued for immediate incarceration until their sentencing, but Judge David Lowy released the Flahertys on personal recognizance.
Prosecutors say both men used their jobs in the city's Department of Public Works to benefit their paving and home building business, including stealing paving material from the city and using city accounts to buy hardware for their private use.
James Flaherty, 67, and Kevin Flaherty, 37, both took the stand in their own defense.
For more on this story, please see tomorrow's The Eagle-Tribune.
