Former State Police Union Head and Lobbyist Sentenced for Fraud, Racketeering

Dana Pullman and Anne Lynch exploited their positions for personal gain, betraying the troopers they were meant to serve.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The former president of the Massachusetts State Police union, Dana Pullman, and the union's former lobbyist, Anne Lynch, were sentenced Wednesday for racketeering, fraud, obstruction of justice, and tax crimes. Pullman was sentenced to 2 years in prison and Lynch received 15 months, with both ordered to pay restitution.

Why it matters

The case highlights the abuse of power and corruption that can occur when union leaders and lobbyists prioritize their own interests over those they are meant to represent. It raises concerns about oversight and accountability within public sector unions.

The details

Pullman, who was state trooper from 1987 to 2018, became the union's president in 2012. During his tenure, Lynch's lobbying firm represented the union. Prosecutors found that Pullman and Lynch stole money from the union, with Pullman using the union's debit card for personal expenses. Lynch also paid Pullman a $20,000 kickback related to a union settlement, which they hid to avoid paying taxes.

  • Pullman became the union's president in 2012.
  • Pullman resigned in September 2018 amid a federal investigation.
  • Pullman and Lynch were arrested in August 2019 and charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.
  • After an October 2022 trial, they were found guilty in November 2022.
  • Pullman was sentenced to 30 months in prison in May 2023, and Lynch received 2 years in prison.

The players

Dana Pullman

The former president of the Massachusetts State Police union, who was a state trooper from 1987 to 2018.

Anne Lynch

The former lobbyist for the Massachusetts State Police union and a close friend of Dana Pullman.

State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM)

The union that represents more than 1,500 state troopers and sergeants, and acts as the exclusive bargaining agent between its members and the Commonwealth.

Leah Foley

The U.S. Attorney who said Pullman and Lynch "ran the Massachusetts State Police union like an old-school racket, siphoning money from troopers, deceiving the Commonwealth, hiding income from the IRS and then lying when they got caught."

Thomas Demeo

The special agent in charge of the IRS' Boston field office, who said "Mr. Pullman and Ms. Lynch exploited their positions of trust and authority for their own personal gain, betraying the very people they were meant to serve."

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What they’re saying

“Dana Pullman and Anne Lynch ran the Massachusetts State Police union like an old-school racket, siphoning money from troopers, deceiving the Commonwealth, hiding income from the IRS and then lying when they got caught.”

— Leah Foley, U.S. Attorney (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts)

“Mr. Pullman and Ms. Lynch exploited their positions of trust and authority for their own personal gain, betraying the very people they were meant to serve.”

— Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS' Boston Field Office (U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts)

What’s next

The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the defendants' appeal of some of their convictions in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within public sector unions to prevent abuse of power and corruption by union leaders. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the members they are meant to represent.