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A case tied to a Boston hockey legacy has erupted into a widening fraud investigation after authorities arrested the son of a former Bruins star, accusing him of running a deceptive sports ticket scheme that allegedly stretched across Massachusetts and Nevada.

The arrest of Robert Cheevers has stunned communities familiar with his family name, while police say the case exposes a pattern of false promises involving discounted access to major sporting events.

ARREST AND INITIAL COMPLAINTS

Robert Cheevers, 57, of East Boston, was arrested at his home on April 4 after investigators in Leicester received multiple complaints alleging he stole money from victims by offering fraudulent tickets to sporting events at reduced prices.

Police say the complaints quickly pointed to a broader pattern that extended beyond a single incident.

FAMILY NAME USED IN ALLEGED SCHEME

Cheevers is the son of former Boston Bruins goaltender Gerry Cheevers, a key figure on Stanley Cup championship teams in 1970 and 1972.

Investigators say that connection allegedly played a role in how victims were approached and reassured during ticket discussions.

According to court documents, one victim described how Cheevers referenced his father’s legacy during their interactions.

VICTIM ALLEGATIONS AND RISING SUSPICION

Court records include a detailed account from a victim who said Cheevers used his family background to build trust.

“Mr. Cheevers told her that his father is a former Bruins hockey player and he could get alumni tickets to Bruins game at a reduced rate.”

The same victim later became suspicious as the financial demands continued.

“…when Mr. Cheevers was asking for more money, she became suspicious.”

Authorities say this pattern of escalating payment requests appeared in multiple complaints.

EXPANDING INVESTIGATION ACROSS MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Leicester police say the investigation revealed Cheevers was also accused of involvement in similar incidents across multiple jurisdictions, including Lawrence, Newburyport, and Nevada.

Officials describe a coordinated effort among departments as the scope of the allegations widened.

COORDINATED LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSE

Leicester Police Chief Kenneth Antanavica said investigators worked across jurisdictions to track the allegations.

“Detectives are working together, get a hold of these other departments, and everybody took an interest in this because it’s just going on and on,” said Leicester Police Chief Kenneth Antanavica. “And the right thing to do is put an end to it, which we were able to.”

Authorities emphasized the importance of inter-agency communication as similar complaints surfaced in different locations.

BRUINS ORGANIZATION RESPONSE

A police report noted that the Boston Bruins directly addressed one of the victim’s claims, rejecting the alleged ticket arrangement.

“Mr. Cheevers’ assertion that he could obtain tickets at a reduced price is untrue.”

Investigators say that clarification became a key point in assessing the legitimacy of the alleged scheme.

OFFICIAL WARNING TO THE PUBLIC

Police are now urging potential victims of fraud to come forward quickly so others can be protected.

“If you do end up with some sort of fraud situation, be sure to contact the police immediately so we can warn others,” Antanavica said.

Authorities believe early reporting can help prevent additional losses in similar cases.

COURT STATUS

Robert Cheevers is currently being held on bail and is scheduled to return to court in May as the investigation continues.