Mass. elected official pleads not guilty to theft

WOBURN, Mass. -- The Middlesex County Register of Probate has pleaded not guilty to charges that he stole thousands of dollars from copy and cash machines at the Registry of Deeds.

John Buonomo was released on personal recognizance at his arraignment Thursday.

Prosecutors say Buonomo broke into the machines 18 times over a six week period this summer with a key he wasn't supposed to have.

He faces charges including breaking and entering into a depository and theft of public property by a county officer.

State police conducted video surveillance of the machines after Registry of Deeds officials noticed shortages in receipts. They say they caught the alleged thefts on camera.

Buonomo's attorney, Michael Natola, says the tapes don't tell the entire story and that Buonomo still plans to seek re-election this year.

Buonomo was first elected in 2000 to finish an unexpired term.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)