"Van Cott admitted to defrauding the Plymouth Public Schools by using school and U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to support his “Snack Shack” business, which he opened in 2014 in Barnstable, according to Foley's office."
"With school funds, Van Cott ordered two $2,200 refrigerators, a nearly $4,000 two-door freezer, over $3,000 in “premium burger patties,” and other restaurant supplies, such as a griddle and sandwich prep table, according to the criminal complaint."
"Prosecutors allege Van Cott additionally gathered condiments, diced chicken, hot dogs, cooking oil, snacks, paper goods, coffee, and food products every summer to use at the “Snack Shack.” These items were either provided by the USDA or paid for by the school district."
"Van Cott sought a quote from an equipment vendor around May 2024 for three items totaling $3,350, claiming they were for a student project, the criminal complaint states. After collecting the merchandise, Van Cott allegedly asked the vendor to create a fraudulent invoice for a different piece of equipment"
Patrick Van Cott, 64, of Sandwich, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of wire fraud. He served as director of food services for Plymouth Public Schools from 2003 until June 2025. He admitted using school and U.S. Department of Agriculture funds to support his “Snack Shack” business, which opened in 2014 in Barnstable. School funds were used to buy restaurant equipment and food supplies, including refrigerators, a freezer, burger patties, and other items. Prosecutors alleged he collected USDA-provided or school-paid food products and directed cafeteria workers to prepare deli meats that were sold at the business. He also sought vendor quotes and allegedly requested a fraudulent invoice for equipment.
Read at Boston.com
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