Somerville firefighter accused of $14k World Cup ticket scam

A Somerville man tied to the local fire department is facing charges after allegedly taking $14,000 from individuals with the promise of FIFA World Cup tickets that never materialized.

The defendant, 50-year-old Robert Whelan, a firefighter with the Somerville Fire Department, is charged with larceny over $250 by false pretense, forgery of a document, and uttering a false instrument.

Prosecutors allege that Whelan used his status as a Patriots season-ticket holder to claim he could secure World Cup seats and coordinate group purchases through his regular ticket contacts. After taking the money, he allegedly produced counterfeit email confirmations to give the impression that tickets were secured or on their way, but no tickets were delivered and refunds were not issued.

When pressed by victims, Whelan allegedly claimed he would withdraw funds from his pension to repay them and even created a forged email purportedly from the president of the pension board approving a $157,000 withdrawal.

Officials have not disclosed how many individuals were affected by the alleged scheme. He is scheduled to appear in Somerville District Court on Monday.

Authorities note that the investigation is ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available.