DOJ: Former Director of Food Services for Plymouth Public Schools Sentenced for Stealing Food and Equipment for Side Business

• Van Cott used school-purchased items, including USDA-funded goods, to operate his private business, the Snack Shack, from 2014 to June 2025.
• He was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and restitution, with the amount to be determined later.

Patrick Van Cott, who served as Director of Food Services for Plymouth Public Schools from 2003 until June 2025, pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and two counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, a $2,000 fine, and restitution to be determined.

From 2014 to June 2025, Van Cott stole food and commercial kitchen equipment purchased with school and USDA funds, using them to run his private business, the Snack Shack, and directing school staff to prepare food for resale at his business.

• $2,000 fine ordered by the court
• $3,950 cost of two-door freezer
• $3,000 premium burger patties ordered with school funds

• Review all purchases of food and equipment made with USDA funds for diversion to unauthorized uses, referencing the Plymouth Public Schools case.
• Audit staff access and inventory controls for federally funded food programs, focusing on items similar to those diverted by Van Cott (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, deli meats).
• Cross-check seasonal business operations of school food service directors against school inventory records, as Van Cott operated the Snack Shack while employed.

This case highlights the risk of fraud and misappropriation of federally funded resources within public institutions, particularly those receiving USDA support. Compliance officers must ensure robust controls and monitoring over inventory, procurement, and staff activities to prevent diversion of assets for personal gain. The involvement of multiple agencies and the imposition of criminal penalties underscore the seriousness of such offenses and the need for vigilance in safeguarding public funds and program integrity.