Brethren,
On February 15, 2024, a special meeting of the Supreme Council was held. At that meeting, David A. Glattly (hereafter “Glattly”), former Sovereign Grand Commander (SGC), was expelled as a member from the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The resolution for expulsion detailed Glattly's deliberate breach of fiduciary duty, violation of Supreme Council confidentiality, and endangerment of protected whistleblowers. An overwhelming majority of Active Members voted in favor of expulsion.
I, and the 54 members of the Supreme Council, am now and forever honor bound to uphold our Core Values, which include Integrity and Justice. With a heavy heart, yet resolute in upholding the principles of our Supreme Council, it falls to me as your SGC to present this statement of facts and accompanying timeline regarding David A. Glattly.
WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT, SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS, AND INVESTIGATION FINDINGS
On July 4, 2021, an Active Member of the Supreme Council filed a whistleblower complaint regarding the conduct of David A. Glattly. Allegations in the complaint included:
- Masonic ballot fraud
- Inappropriate employment practices
- Lack of budgetary control
- Lack of expense control and excessive spending
- Failures of corporate governance
- Toxic workplace environment under David Glattly’s stewardship
- Favoritism and conduct unbecoming of a Scottish Rite officer and trustee
The allegations led to two sweeping and exhaustive investigations:
- An internal investigation led by Active Members of the Supreme Council
- An independent, external forensic audit and investigation
Internal Investigation by Supreme Council Active Members
An internal investigation of the whistleblower allegations was conducted by a special committee comprised of seven Active Members at the insistence of the Supreme Council. The investigation consumed thousands of hours over the course of nearly two years, and more than 50 staff and Active Members were interviewed.
Internal Investigation Conclusion
The conclusion of this required investigation resulted in the finding that not one of the whistleblower claims made on July 4, 2021 was found to be untrue or without factual basis. A series of recommendations from the investigation committee were made to the Supreme Council including the need for a comprehensive, objective external review, which is outlined below.
Masonic Ballot Fraud
The internal investigation committee substantiated ballot fraud by David Glattly during the 2020 Annual Meeting in Lexington, MA for the election of the nominees to receive the 33rd Degree in Cleveland, OH in 2021. The ballot fraud was documented by video evidence.
Four Active Members testified they cast negative ballots confirming that the ballot was not “clear" as Glattly declared. A fifth Active Member could not cast a negative vote as no black cubes were available.
Every Freemason holds the integrity of the ballot box as sacred and inviolate. This deception would have led to nominees receiving the distinction of the 33rd Degree that the Active Members did not elect.
INDEPENDENT EXTERNAL FORENSIC AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION
The findings of the internal investigation raised and confirmed critical issues prompting the Supreme Council to commission an independent, external forensic audit and investigation.
The goal of the Supreme Council was to ensure a comprehensive, independent review of the whistleblower allegations. The forensic investigation was charged with providing an unbiased and unfiltered third-party examination into lack of budgetary control, excessive spending, and corporate governance failures.
The considerable time and expense of the forensic audit and investigation was deemed critical by the Supreme Council. We were obligated to determine with absolute certainty the extent of any wrongdoing and ensure accountability within our organization.
Attorney William J. Lovett, Lead Counsel
Attorney William J. Lovett of the firm Lovett O’Brien was retained by the Supreme Council as lead legal counsel on the forensic investigation and audit. Attorney Lovett is both a former federal prosecutor in the US Department of Justice and an accountant.
Informed by the allegations in the whistleblower complaint and internal investigation findings, the forensic investigation’s objective was to scrutinize potential irregularities, fraudulent activities, and misconduct within the organization during the Glattly administration. Attorney Lovett was granted unfettered access to Supreme Council records.
The forensic team included three attorneys, additional external forensic accounting experts, and the Supreme Council investigative committee. The forensic investigation lasted more than a year with numerous staff and Active Members interviewed. This external forensic investigation and audit is now concluded.
Forensic Investigation and Audit Conclusions
The findings of the forensic investigation and audit substantiated the investigated whistleblower allegations and provided conclusions and recommendations to the Supreme Council.
WHISTLEBLOWERS AND STAFF
We are unwavering in our support of our dedicated staff and Active Members, several of whom, past and present and for several years now, have been unfairly maligned and forced to carry that burden. Since the whistleblower allegations came to light, valued individuals of our organization have been aggressively and wrongfully targeted.
To those whistleblowers and other staff (also granted whistleblower protection) who spoke honestly and candidly to the internal and external investigation teams, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. They proved unwavering in their commitment to honesty and integrity. Their courageous actions in bringing attention to the numerous improprieties addressed here have been instrumental in upholding Supreme Council and Scottish Rite values and ensuring accountability. We commend their bravery and dedication to doing what is right, even in the face of deep personal adversity.
CONCLUSION
Please appreciate that our actions and the facts presented here are not approached casually or with malice. Instead, they are presented to you from the sincere conviction of the Supreme Council that it is necessary to bring these facts forward.
We are all deeply saddened by the profound impact these events have had on the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. However, despite our disappointment we must be resolute in our commitment to uphold the integrity of our Fraternity and honor Freemasonry's timeless and immutable values. We will work tirelessly to assure that events such as these never happen again in our beloved Scottish Rite.
Fraternally and Sincerely,
Walter F. Wheeler
Sovereign Grand Commander