Middlesex register of probate suspended

By Globe Staff

The Middlesex County register of probate has been suspended without pay by the state's highest court as he faces criminal charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from government copy machines.

The Supreme Judicial Court issued a suspension order today that will remain in place until the criminal case is resolved against John R. Buonomo.

Buonomo was arrested Aug. 6 and accused of robbing cash machines attached to copiers at least 18 times since June in the Registry of Deeds office, which is in the same Cambridge Street building as his probate office. He faces 18 counts of breaking and entering into a depository, eight counts of theft of public property by a government officer, and eight counts of larceny under $250.

Buonomo told arresting officers he was using the money to buy office supplies for the court, prosecutors said at his arraignment earlier this month. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The 56-year-old Democrat from West Newton was first elected register of probate in 2000.

Marie A. Gardin, formerly the Middlesex County assistant judicial case manager, has been sworn in as interim register of probate. She will serve until the criminal case is resolved.

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