BOSTON—Corruption has taken root in the Boston Public Schools, with the former Director of Fleet and Facilities arrested for allegedly pocketing a staggering $870,000 in bribes. Michael Muller, 59, from Millbury, is facing multiple charges, including soliciting and accepting bribes from vendors involved in school bus operations and maintenance.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Muller’s alleged misdeeds spanned from 2010 to December 2021. Reports indicate he accepted bribes including cash, checks, and even a used pickup truck valued at $15,000. Shockingly, he also allegedly extorted $85,000 worth of building materials intended for his vacation home.

Muller, who had the authority to fire Transportation Company employees, required one vendor to hire his adult child as part of the alleged bribery scheme. The Transportation Company managed over 700 school buses for Boston Public Schools, and Muller’s role allowed him to manipulate contracts and funnel taxpayer money for personal gain.

The fallout was swift; Boston Public Schools fired Muller in 2022 upon learning of the allegations and promptly notified law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley slammed Muller for breaching public trust, stating he treated taxpayer-funded contracts as "a source of illicit income." If convicted, Muller faces decades behind bars and could be hit with hefty fines topping hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a surprising twist, John Colantuoni, 60, from Westwood, was also implicated. He is accused of paying bribes to Muller and is currently in custody following an arrest in Florida. The scandal raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within Boston Public Schools, as the community grapples with the implications of such blatant corruption.