A senior official in the Plymouth Public Schools system has come under scrutiny after being charged with diverting significant school resources for personal use. Patrick Van Cott, a 62-year-old resident of Sandwich and long-time food services director, allegedly exploited his role to acquire goods such as premium food items and kitchen equipment, which were then utilized or sold at his private Cape Cod snack business. The Plymouth County district attorney's office revealed that these actions led to criminal charges against Van Cott.
The investigation into Van Cott’s activities uncovered a pattern of misuse over an extended period. Authorities allege that he ordered luxury food products and high-value kitchen appliances that never made it to school cafeterias. Instead, evidence suggests these items appeared at the Sandy Neck Snack Shack in Barnstable, operated by Van Cott during summer months. Investigators identified discrepancies totaling over $8,300 worth of missing goods from the district’s inventory. Surveillance footage played a key role in uncovering this misconduct, showing Van Cott transporting commercial refrigerators out of school premises on a weekend.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability within public institutions. The allegations against Van Cott emerged following an anonymous tip-off to school authorities, prompting swift action including searches and seizures at his snack shack. This incident serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected of individuals entrusted with managing public funds and assets. Moving forward, it underscores the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Van Cott is set to reappear in court next month amid ongoing proceedings.