A former Springfield, Massachusetts, golf pro has been indicted on federal charges of tax fraud and money laundering.
Kevin Kennedy Jr. is the son of Springfield's former chief development officer, and he had a contract with the city to manage two municipal golf courses.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, he diverted money the city was supposed to receive from golfers, and used it to build a house on Cape Cod and another in East Longmeadow.
Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst called the indictment disappointing.
"The fact that we allowed it to happen at the expense of taxpayer is a problem," Hurst said. "Certainly, he's innocent until proven guilty, but normally, when the feds come after you, they've built a pretty strong case."
Hurst said the city is now monitoring what happens at the golf courses more closely, and said additional scrutiny is needed in all departments.
Mayor Domenic Sarno declined to comment on the indictment.
Kennedy's lawyer said he absolutely denies he ever took a penny from the city of Springfield.
Kennedy is scheduled to be arraigned on January 9 along with a West Springfield luxury home builder and his son, whom the government says helped build the houses.
