Blue Betrayal: How a Union Boss Went Rogue The Story of Dana Pullman

In this week’s episode of Tax Crime Junkies, we take you behind the badge into one of the most shocking scandals to hit the Massachusetts State Police union. Meet Dana Pullman, the union boss who turned SPAM (State Police Association of Massachusetts) into his personal piggy bank. From backdoor kickbacks to romantic getaways funded by union dues, Pullman’s crimes weren’t just a betrayal of his organization—they were a masterclass in how not to run a union.

Join Dominique and Tom as they unravel the fraud, bribes, and downright audacity that led to Pullman’s downfall. Along the way, they’ll explore how the IRS pieced together the trail of corruption and share how even small financial missteps can lead to massive legal consequences.  Listen in to hear how far the corruption extends beyond just Karen Read!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dana Pullman misused police union funds for personal gain.
• The role of kickbacks and disguised payments in Pullman’s schemes.
• How the IRS uncovered the fraud and tied it to false tax returns.
• The importance of receipts, documentation, and transparency (hint: don’t throw away your expense reports).
• How Pullman’s defense attorney tried to argue “bad vibes” instead of facts.

Episode Highlights:

• Union Funds Gone Wild: From $9,000 in flowers to $2,000 in iTunes charges, Pullman treated the union debit card like his personal expense account.
• Kickbacks and Coverups: Learn how Pullman and lobbyist Anne Lynch funneled bribes disguised as “consulting fees” and thought they could outsmart the IRS.
• Romantic Getaways: When union dues become a ticket to Miami—and how the IRS found out.
• The Vibes Defense: Yes, you read that right—Pullman’s lawyer argued the prosecution was based on “bad vibes.”
• The Fallout: Jail time, fines, and the lingering impact on the union and its members.

Memorable Quotes:

• “If you’re going to steal, don’t use the company debit card. And maybe, just maybe, keep the receipts.” – Dom
• “When your treasurer tells you the union is ‘getting screwed,’ maybe take the hint.” – Tom
• “Vibes don’t pay taxes, and they definitely don’t cover fraud.” – Dom

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about us at taxcrimejunkies.com
• Follow us on social media: @taxcrimejunkies on Twitter and Instagram

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