Massachusetts - Call firefighter’s bail set at $1,000 on four counts

OFF THE WIRE
Gary V. Murray
telegram.com
WORCESTER — Bail was set at $1,000 cash yesterday for a Millbury call firefighter charged with stealing from the Fire Department and a charity he set up, extorting money from a local church and committing workers’ compensation fraud.
Robert Giannette, 46, of 150 North Main St., Apt. 1, Millbury, was arrested yesterday after what a prosecutor said was an “exhaustive” police investigation and charged with two counts of larceny of more than $250, embezzlement of more than $250 by an association member, extortion by false report of a crime and workers’ compensation fraud.
He was arraigned on those charges yesterday afternoon in Central District Court. Citing a history of defaults on Mr. Giannette’s one-page criminal record, Judge Paul L. McGill set bail of $1,000 cash or $10,000 with surety and continued Mr. Giannette’s case to March 3.
Mr. Giannette, who had earlier posted $300 cash bail set at the police station after his arrest, was taken into custody by court officers when he was unable to post the increased bail.
Police said Mr. Giannette started a motorcycle club charity called Bikers Against Abusing Kids, or BAAK, and allegedly used money donated to the group, which Mr. Giannette told members was seeking nonprofit status, for his personal use.
On Sept. 21, Detective Kimberly Brothers said, Mr. Giannette and several other members of BAAK went to the home of a man who was being investigated for indecent assault and battery on a child, but who had not yet been charged. Armed with a sword in a sheath, Mr. Giannette allegedly knocked on the door and handed the man literature related to BAAK’s activities.
The man called police after the visit and police told Mr. Giannette not to interfere, according to the detective. The next day, Mr. Giannette allegedly went to the man’s place of employment and gave his employer more BAAK material. The man was later fired from his job, according to Detective Brothers.
Police also allege that Mr. Giannette, a call firefighter for the town who is receiving workers’ compensation while out on medical leave, extorted money from a local church for which he did some painting by saying if he was not paid money he was owed, he would go to the town and report what he said were code violations and a lack of proper permits at the church.
A search of Mr. Giannette’s apartment Wednesday revealed several items that the Fire Department later said were stolen, including an ax and firefighting “turnout gear,” according to Detective Brothers.

The bail set by Judge McGill was requested by Assistant District Attorney Marc W. Dupuis.
Mr. Giannette’s appointed lawyer, Peter B. Clifford, said the Fire Department property that police found in Mr. Giannette’s apartment was equipment he needed when called upon to fight fires. Mr. Clifford, who asked that his client be released on the previously posted $300 cash bail, said the financial allegations against him may involve “as little as $1,800.”
He also said Mr. Giannette had a legitimate workers’ compensation claim.
Police said BAAK is not a nonprofit organization and are asking anyone who donated to it to contact them.