In a shocking revelation, Patrick VanCott, the food director of Plymouth Public Schools in Massachusetts, stands accused of diverting school-owned equipment and food supplies for his personal business. The investigation commenced after authorities received a tip-off regarding unauthorized removals from the educational institution's resources. Over several years, VanCott allegedly siphoned off items including premium Angus hamburgers, lobster meat, and cafeteria equipment, which were earmarked for student use but instead found their way to his Cape Cod restaurant. This misconduct has led to criminal charges against him, highlighting a breach of trust within the public education system.
Patrick VanCott, aged 62 and residing in Sandwich, Massachusetts, was entrusted with overseeing food services at Plymouth Public Schools. His responsibilities included placing orders for cafeteria supplies, making him the sole authority in this area. However, investigators allege that he exploited this position by ordering luxury food items such as premium Angus hamburgers and lobster meat, which never reached students or staff tables. Instead, these products reportedly ended up at the Snack Shack, a beachfront eatery operated by VanCott in Barnstable.
The scale of alleged theft extends beyond food products. Evidence suggests that VanCott removed two commercial refrigerators from the school premises on April 4, utilizing both a town-owned vehicle and his personal truck. Surveillance footage captured his vehicle crossing the Sagamore Bridge into Cape Cod, carrying one of the stolen refrigerators. Furthermore, cafeteria workers disclosed a weekly ritual during the summer months when they were instructed to prepare specific deli meats, packaging them in boxes marked with VanCott’s initials, only to see them vanish under mysterious circumstances.
Financial implications of this alleged embezzlement are significant. Investigators have identified over $8,300 worth of equipment missing from school property, encompassing kitchen essentials like fry pans, a convection oven, and an undercounter freezer. A search warrant executed on June 4 at the Snack Shack uncovered additional evidence, including a massive industrial refrigerator, bins filled with government-issued food, blackboards, and other items linked to the school district. These findings corroborate accusations against VanCott, leading to formal charges of larceny exceeding $1,200 through a single scheme and theft from a building.
Facing these allegations, VanCott entered a plea of not guilty. Judicial proceedings mandated a cash bail of $50,000, along with restrictions prohibiting him from accessing any Plymouth school campuses or associated storage facilities. Consequently, VanCott has been placed on administrative leave from his role at Plymouth Public Schools. This case underscores the importance of stringent oversight mechanisms in safeguarding public resources intended for educational purposes, ensuring accountability at all levels of institutional management.