NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Officials with the State of Massachusetts said former Bristol County Deputy Sheriff Floyd Teague paid a $40,000 civil penalty and $25,000 in economic advantage damages for violating conflict of interest law. Officials said the violation stemmed from Teague conducting a public auction as the Deputy Sheriff, in which he placed an absentee bid on behalf of his spouse for a seized home, then awarded her the home, which she renovated with his help and sold at a profit. Teague’s spouse also did not provide a $5,000 check to participate in the auction, which he required other attendees to provide. Officials added that the couple spent $44,000 on contractors and supplies associated with the renovation and later sold the home for $309,900. The conflict of interest law in Massachusetts “prohibits state employees from participating in matters in which they or their immediate family have a financial interest.” Categories: Massachusetts, News