Westford resident Thomas Byrne will be facing charges in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud a business person by claiming that he and his co-conspirator, former state senator Bernard Joseph Tully were using the funds to bribe public officials according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Byrne, 63, allegedly had been leasing space in Lowell from the unnamed businessperson.

From early 2009 to May 2010, Byrne and Tully falsely represented to the businessperson that they could maintain the Lowell Registry of Motor Vehicles in the businessperson's office building, but needed money to make payments to certain elected officials in exchange for the official acts.

The businessperson paid the pair, who them allegedly pocketed the money for their own use without paying any public oficials.

While Tully, 84, was already sentenced last year to two years probation and four months of home confiment, Byrne now faces up to 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 if found guilty.

Tully (D-Dracut), served as a selectman and a state senator in the Lowell area prior to his appointment as Lowell city manager, which he held from 1979 to 1987.