State Police Payroll Director Pleads Not Guilty To Theft

FRAMINGHAM (AP) — A Massachusetts State Police payroll director accused of stealing $23,000 of funds has pleaded not guilty to a larceny charge in Framingham District Court.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan says 49-year-old Denise Ezekiel was released on personal recognizance following an arraignment Monday. Ezekiel is charged with larceny over $250 for alleged misappropriation of $23,900 in state police payroll funds through her position as the agency's Payroll Director.

Ezekiel was placed on leave in November 2017 when police discovered she had received unauthorized fund transfers to her personal bank accounts for travel and training reimbursements. Charges were filed against Ezekiel on March 6.

The alleged larceny is one of numerous controversies that have rocked the state police this year, including one where state police officers were allegedly paid overtime while skipping shifts.

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