Somerville Firefighter Facing Charges In Connection With FIFA World Cup Ticket Scam

SOMERVILLE, MA — A firefighter is facing charges in connection with an alleged FIFA World Cup ticket scam, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's office.

Robert Whelan, 50, has been charged with larceny over $250 by false pretense, forgery of a document and uttering a false instrument, Ryan's Office told Patch.

According to prosecutors, Whelan claimed that, because of his status as a New England Patriots season ticket holder, he had priority access and the ability to make group purchases for FIFA World Cup tickets through his regular season ticket contact. Prosecutors allege he accepted more than $14,000 from multiple victims and created false email confirmations after receiving payment.

"The tickets were never provided to the victims nor was their money returned," the Middlesex District Attorney's Office told Patch.

When buyers began asking about the missing tickets and money, prosecutors allege Whelan told them he was withdrawing $157,000 from his pension fund so he could repay everyone. The district attorney's office said he then created a fake email purportedly from the president of the pension board stating the withdrawal had been approved.

The New England Patriots reportedly do not have anyone named Robert Whelan listed as a season ticket holder.

Whelan is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Somerville District Court.

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