DiMasi Case Lobbyist Accused Of Taking No-Show Job

A lobbyist convicted of conspiracy and fraud in the kickback scheme that ensnared former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi is under renewed scrutiny for allegedly collecting a state pension for a no-show job.

Richard McDonough was convicted in federal court last week.

State Inspector General Gregory Sullivan has asked the state retirement board to review the $31,000 annual pension McDonough began collecting in 2008.

Sullivan says McDonough had a lobbying client, the Merrimack Education Center of Chelmsford, put him on the payroll of a related organization, the Merrimack Education Collaborative, which provides education and treatment services for special-needs students from 10 school districts.

Sullivan says McDonough had no desk, no phone and no work product.

McDonough's lawyer told The Boston Globe that his client denies any wrongdoing.