Watertown Bar Closed, Owner Ordered to Pay Huge Fine for Stealing from Disabled Relative

Watertown's 21 Nickels Grille and Tap has closed, and the owners - including a state rep from Brighton - agreed to pay nearly $900,000 to a disabled relative they are accused of bilking out of money.

A Fox 25 report found that the State Rep. Michael Moran of Brighton and his brother Shaun, agreed to a $865,000 settlement to avoid going to court to face a civil suit. And the Morans appear to be on the hook for more than $100,000 more after a judge ruled they had to cover interest and attorney fees, the report said.

The money was allegedly taken from Robert Ryan who has a disability that prevents him from reading, writing and doing his finances, according to the report. The money was then allegedly used to buy the pub in 2000, two years after the alleged theft.

Ryan is an uncle of Shaun Moran's wife, Paula, according to the report. He worked as a laborer for the City of Newton before retiring due to his disability.

The Middlesex District Attorney's office investigated the case, but dropped criminal charges, partially because a key witness would not cooperate, Fox 25 reported.

Watertown officials will discuss what to do with 21 Nickels' liquor licence, according to the report.

Read the entire Fox 25 report here: http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/22525850/2013/06/06/state-reps-brother-ordered-to-pay-nearly-1-mil#ixzz2VXGzcCQ5