The United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts announced on Apr. 7 that Patrick Van Cott, former Director of Food Services for Plymouth Public Schools, has been charged with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of wire fraud in connection with a scheme allegedly running from 2014 to June 2025.
The case raises concerns about the misuse of public resources intended for student nutrition programs. The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted initiative that provides free or low-cost meals to students, funded by both U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state sources.
According to charging documents, Van Cott is accused of stealing food and commercial kitchen equipment purchased with school and USDA funds for use at his private business, the “Snack Shack” on Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable. Items allegedly taken include refrigerators, a freezer, hot plates, a griddle, chargrill, fryolator, shelving units, sandwich prep table, convection oven, chalk boards as well as large quantities of food such as condiments and deli meats which were sold at Snack Shack. He also allegedly directed cafeteria workers to prepare deli meat specifically for his business operations.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.” Foley was joined by Ted E. Docks from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division and Charmeka Parker from USDA’s Office of Inspector General in announcing the charges.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving crimes such as national security threats and civil rights violations according to its official website. The office advances community initiatives focused on civil rights protection and violence prevention according to its official website, serves all residents across Massachusetts according to its official website, employs over 200 staff members including attorneys and paralegals according to its official website, maintains facilities at several locations including Boston’s John Joseph Moakley Courthouse according to its official website, handles both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States according to its official website, operates offices statewide promoting public safety since being established as one of America’s earliest such entities in 1789 according to its official website.
If convicted on all charges related to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds or wire fraud offenses outlined by prosecutors—including Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay—Van Cott faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment per theft charge or up to 20 years per wire fraud charge along with fines determined under federal sentencing guidelines.