Former Middlesex Register of Probate faces sentencing

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Surveillance cameras caught Buonomo stealing money from copy machines at the Registry of Deeds.

By Globe Staff

John Buonomo, the former Register of Probate for Middlesex County, will face sentencing this afternoon in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on charges that he stole thousands in taxpayer money and more than $100,000 in campaign funds.

Buonomo, 57, of Newton pleaded guilty to the charges on Oct. 15.

Buonomo stole thousands in cash from copy and money machines at the Office of the Register of Deeds, which was located in the same building as his office, prosecutors said. The thefts were captured in June, July, and August 2008 by hidden cameras installed by State Police. Buonomo was arrested on Aug. 6, 2008, and resigned from his post on Sept. 7 of that year.

Buonomo also stole more than $100,000 from his campaign committee for his own personal use. He withdrew money from the Committee to Elect John Buonomo by writing checks to himself falsely stating that he was reimbursing himself for postage. He also stole from the account by writing checks to a local printing company for fake print jobs.