Revere Man Links Indelicato To Plot to Defraud the State

A Revere man this week linked the former president of Bridgewater State College to the theft of documents which he said showed the college official's participation in a plot to defraud the state of more than $70,000 in federal funds.

Former college President Gerard T. Indelicato last month was accused of embezzling the federal funds from an adult education program which he ran. Indelicato allegedly used the education center as a false front from 1979 to 1983.

According to the witness, John Gaeta, Indelicato, the former top education aide of Governor Michael S. Dukakis, gave him $500 to destroy records documenting the illegal operation.

Gaeta on Tuesday pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and will testify against Indelicato in exchange for a milder sentence, said U.S. District Court clerk Phillip Lyons.

Indelicato last month resigned his presidency at Bridgewater, which he had held since last year. From 1983 until 1986, he was Dukakis's highest ranking education aide, and from 1981 until 1983 he was president of Worcester State College.

The governor's office, the state attorney general's office, state police officials, and Bridgewater State College officials refused all comment on the investigation.

"The Governor feels that it is inappropriate at this time to comment on the investigation, in that any comment might interfere with due process," a Dukakis press official said.

"We have had meetings with the attorney general's office, and have agreed not to comment on the situation," said State Police Lieutenant Joseph Dennehy.

The investigation may also involve Indelicato's purchase of a $35,000 parcel of land from the Bridgewater College Foundation. Indelicato planned to build his home on the property.