Taxpayers Pay Price for Fraud, Left in Dark

Howie Carr: Corruption case against former union leaders drags on for years

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dana Pullman and Bill Dessaps, former union leaders in Boston, have been sentenced to federal prison after years of legal proceedings related to their fraudulent activities. The case highlights how taxpayers often bear the cost of such blatant corruption, while the public remains largely uninformed about the details.

Why it matters

High-profile corruption cases like this one erode public trust in institutions and demonstrate the need for greater transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to the use of taxpayer funds. The drawn-out legal process also raises questions about the efficiency of the justice system in dealing with white-collar crime.

The details

Pullman and Dessaps, former leaders of the Massachusetts State Police Association, were convicted of numerous charges including racketeering, extortion, and fraud. They used union funds for personal expenses and engaged in a range of corrupt practices over an extended period of time.

  • Pullman and Dessaps were first charged in 2018.
  • The case dragged on for years through the courts before the pair were finally sentenced to federal prison in 2026.

The players

Dana Pullman

Former president of the Massachusetts State Police Association, convicted of racketeering, extortion, and fraud.

Bill Dessaps

Former secretary-treasurer of the Massachusetts State Police Association, convicted alongside Pullman.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“And so, farewell then, Dana Pullman and Bill Dessaps, felonious fraudsters finally off to their federal prison cells after years and years of foot-dragging through the courts.”

— Howie Carr, Columnist (Boston Herald)

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for swifter justice and greater transparency when it comes to rooting out corruption, especially when taxpayer funds are involved. The public deserves to know the details of such high-profile cases in a timely manner.