Former Haverhill highway workers jailed for defrauding the city

By Marc Larocque, Globe Correspondent

Two former Haverhill Highway Department employees were each sentenced to two years in jail today, with most of their terms suspended, after they were convicted of defrauding the city.

James Flaherty, 65, will serve six months in jail with the remainder of his time suspended, followed by probation. His son, 35-year-old Kevin Flaherty, will serve four months in jail and then probation.

Kevin Flaherty was also ordered to pay $856.97 of restitution to Haverhill and perform 200 hours of community service. The two men were convicted on June 2, after James Flaherty was charged with larceny over $250 and Kevin Flaherty was charged with larceny over $250 and presentation of false claims.

A joint investigation by the state’s inspector general’s office and State Police discovered the Flahertys improperly used their public positions to use city-owned paving material, such as asphalt, for their family business.