Retired professor denied pre-trial diversion, awaits March hearing

By Maddi Achtyl

Retired religious studies professor Gregory Shaw could face trial after a judge refused to allow him to go into a program that would allow larceny charges to be either reduced or dismissed.

Shaw, 73, was charged with larceny in what prosecutors allege was a case where a woman he met on a Christian dating website was scammed out of almost $80,000, but his lawyer said earlier his client is also a scam victim, eventually losing more than $1.5 million.

On February 5, a supplemental memorandum was filed asking for pre-arraignment diversion, which the Judge Robert Harnais, denied.

With the denial of diversion, the case will proceed through the traditional court process, which could include plea negotiations or a trial. Another pre-trial hearing is scheduled for March 9 to review the status of the case as it moves forward.

A pretrial diversion program is an alternative to traditional prosecution. Instead of going through trial, the defendant is given the opportunity to complete certain requirements. If they successfully complete them, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

On February 5, a supplemental memorandum was filed asking for pre-arraignment diversion, which the Judge Robert Harnais, denied.

With the denial of diversion, the case will move through the traditional court process, which could include plea negotiations or a trial.

Shaw, who retired in 2024 after 37 years at the College, was arraigned and pleaded innocent to two charges of larceny over $1,200 by false pretense on November 20, 2025, in Quincy District Court, according to the memorandum his attorney submitted to the court.

Originally, well-known Norman Zalkind attorney, who died Dec. 20 at age 87, represented Shaw.  Shaw is now represented by attorney David Duncan.

The pretrial hearing took place on January 14, and Shaw was released without bail.  

Previously, Zalkind, in a memorandum filed in court seeking “pre-trial diversion,” said Shaw is a victim, not the culprit.

“Pretrial diversion is appropriate for a 73-year-old man who has worked lawfully and productively for his whole life. The fact that Professor Shaw, without prompting, reimbursed the victim in this case for her losses before there were even charges brought, also supports this disposition,” Zalkind wrote before his death.

In the case he is charged with, Shaw has already paid the woman back in full because he felt a moral obligation, since both he and she had been scammed by the same people, Shaw’s original attorney, Norman Zalkind, wrote to the court.