Boston Company Narrowly Avoids Hiring Convicted Felon on Work Release

Founder of Boston Chauffeur service says he was 'flabbergasted' to learn job candidate had stolen millions from previous employers

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of crumpled financial documents lit by a stark, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the fraud and theft that nearly cost a Boston company its hard-earned success.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the financial crimes that nearly cost a Boston business its hard-earned success.Boston Today

The founder of a Boston-area transportation company, Boston Chauffeur, says he was shocked to learn that a job candidate he had made an offer to was a convicted felon who had stolen millions from previous employers. The woman was participating in a work release program run by the Middlesex Sheriff's Office, but the company was not made aware of her criminal history until after the offer was made. The Sheriff's Office has now said they will be reviewing the program to ensure proper protocols are in place.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges businesses can face when hiring individuals with criminal histories, even those participating in work release programs intended to help with rehabilitation and reintegration. It raises questions about the vetting process for these programs and the need to balance second chances with protecting companies from potential fraud or theft.

The details

Mark Kini, the founder and CEO of Boston Chauffeur, said he was impressed by the job candidate's resume and background, and had made her an offer for an office manager position with a $72,000 salary. However, after running background and reference checks, his team discovered the woman had previously stolen $1.2 million from a company in Ipswich, Massachusetts, $700,000-$800,000 from another employer, and $100,000 from a small painting company in Everett. Kini says he was told by the District Attorney's Office that this type of position would not be allowed for the woman, who was participating in the Middlesex Sheriff's Office Pre-Release and Electronic Monitoring Program.

  • Kini says he sent the job offer to the candidate at the end of January, and she would have started in February.
  • The Middlesex Sheriff's Office has confirmed they will be reviewing the Electronic Monitoring Program to ensure it is 'operating within established parameters'.

The players

Mark Kini

Founder and CEO of Boston Chauffeur, the transportation company that nearly hired the convicted felon.

Greg Hawes

Director of Operations for Boston Chauffeur.

Middlesex Sheriff's Office

The office that runs the Pre-Release and Electronic Monitoring Program the job candidate was participating in.

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What they’re saying

“I was flabbergasted that we were about to offer a position to this woman who could in theory bankrupt our company.”

— Greg Hawes, Director of Operations, Boston Chauffeur

“The District Attorney's Office replied that this is exactly the kind of job she shouldn't be pursuing or applying for. She's not even allowed to operate a cash register.”

— Mark Kini, Founder and CEO, Boston Chauffeur

What’s next

The Middlesex Sheriff's Office has stated they will be evaluating the Electronic Monitoring Program to ensure it is operating properly and maintaining the trust of the public and potential employers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for businesses to thoroughly vet job candidates, even those participating in work release programs, and the importance of clear communication between criminal justice programs and employers to protect companies from potential fraud or theft by individuals with criminal histories.