In the tiny town of Leyden, Massachusetts, nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, residents Ginger Robinson and Sara Seinberg uncovered a police embezzlement scandal that rocked the community. Former Police Chief Daniel Galvis was charged with stealing town equipment for personal gain, leading to further charges by the state’s Ethics Commission. Robinson’s research and Seinberg’s persistence led to investigations and charges against Galvis and his wife, former police captain and town clerk Gilda Galvis.
The couple uncovered missing equipment and alleged embezzlement through public records requests and town ledger scrutiny. State Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro investigated the allegations and concluded there was enough evidence to charge Galvis. This chain of events ultimately led to a push for good-governance reforms in Leyden, with concerned citizens banding together to elect a new, reform-minded Select Board.
Robinson and Seinberg, who moved to Leyden from California, emphasized the importance of rebuilding the town’s government and emergency services in response to the scandal. The scandal began with racist and bigoted emails sent by Galvis, ultimately leading to his retirement as police chief. Robinson’s role in scrutinizing town finances and Seinberg’s communications experience were crucial in revealing the embezzlement scheme.
The scandal has divided Leyden but also galvanized a reform movement that has strengthened ethics policies and rebuilt town services. The couple believes the town’s response to the scandal can serve as a model for other small communities facing similar challenges. The story of Leyden highlights the power of citizen engagement and accountability in addressing corruption within local government structures.
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