tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421953685001328732023-11-16T06:41:38.532-05:00New Haven Register InvestigationsMichelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-87769084232872624912015-04-20T14:16:00.001-04:002015-04-20T14:16:07.341-04:00Lawmakers, agencies seek ways to prevent Social Security fraud of deceased relativesBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
In two recent cases, area residents have collected dead parents’ Social
Security benefits for decades before getting caught, raising questions about how
they were able to get away with it for so long, and how investigators can catch
other fraudsters more quickly.<br />
William Chase, 69, of Milford, who was sentenced to six months in prison, stole about $300,000 in
Social Security benefits meant for his deceased mother over the course of 25
years. Chase mostly used the money to pay his mortgage and for his family’s
college expenses.<br />
A Hamden woman, Sandra Kimbro, 66, was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by six months
of home confinement, for stealing about $160,457 of her dead mother’s Social
Security benefits for nearly three decades. Kimbro chatted to a bank teller
about caring for her elderly mother as if she were alive to cover her deception
when she made bank withdrawals, according to federal prosecutors.<br />
U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly urged others who are taking a dead relative’s
benefits, known as “deceased payee fraud,” to turn themselves in.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150418/lawmakers-agencies-seek-ways-to-prevent-social-security-fraud-of-deceased-relatives">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-90017589369121132662015-04-15T13:01:00.000-04:002015-04-15T13:01:13.838-04:00Hamden police stop more blacks than state average but aren’t punitiveBy Kate Ramunni<br />
Register Staff<br />
HAMDEN >> A report on the rate at which police officers conduct traffic
stops on minority drivers that suggests some Hamden officers have a propensity
to stop African-Americans will lead to more sensitivity training, the
department’s chief said Friday.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/government-and-politics/20150412/hamden-police-stop-more-blacks-than-state-average-but-arent-punitive">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-70461492307502660302015-03-27T13:33:00.002-04:002015-03-27T13:33:26.430-04:00New Haven probe locates missing CEO finesBy Mary E. O'Leary<br />
Register Staff<br />
NEW HAVEN >> The city, upon further review, has found fines levied by
the Commission on Equal Opportunities over the past two years and determined
that they were deposited in the city’s general fund.<br />
Last week, Commission on Equal Opportunities Executive Director Nichole
Jefferson was put on paid administrative leave so officials could look into
allegations that she had failed to properly collect fines against companies that
violated rules for contractors using public funds. <br />
The city said they were also looking into the relationship between the CEO
and the Construction Workforce Initiative 2 to see if city resources or
personnel were used to benefit CWI 2, a training program that holds sessions
several times a year to teach construction skills.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150321/new-haven-probe-locates-missing-ceo-fines">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-2078172185455345092015-03-20T17:32:00.001-04:002015-03-20T17:32:24.730-04:00Sen. Kennedy wants to explore Taser policies after Branford man’s deathBy Esteban Hernandez<br />
Register Staff<br />
BRANFORD >> An incident involving a 41-year-old local man who died after being stunned with a Taser by a town police officer
has at least one state lawmaker seeking a more unified standard for use of the
devices. <br />
State Sen. Ted Kennedy Jr., D-Branford, said in a statement that he would
like to explore Taser policies in the state’s law enforcement agencies. David Werblow, 41, died Sunday after an officer deployed his
Taser after police responded to a reported disturbance. His death is being
investigated by Connecticut State Police, per standard procedure after a use of
force death.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150319/sen-kennedy-wants-to-explore-taser-policies-after-branford-mans-death">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Read prior coverage:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150316/branford-witnesses-man-hit-3-times-with-taser-before-death">Branford witnesses: Man hit 3 times with Taser before death</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150315/state-police-man-dies-after-taser-use-by-branford-police">State police: Man dies after Taser use by Branford police</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-88056068420633660762015-03-19T11:12:00.000-04:002015-03-19T11:12:07.025-04:00Video: New Haven girl, 15, injured during arrest; police launch probeBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
NEW HAVEN >> Police have launched an internal affairs investigation
into an incident during the St. Patrick’s Day parade Sunday in which a
15-year-old girl was injured when an officer took her to the ground while
arresting her.<br />
The incident was caught on video by bystanders.<br />
In the videos, the officer can be seen standing behind the girl, identified
by her family as Teandrea Cornelius. Both are standing behind a parked
vehicle.<br />
In the moments that follow, the officer appears to pull the girl by her arm
onto the ground, which she hits with her right shoulder and the right side of
her face.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150318/video-new-haven-girl-15-injured-during-arrest-police-launch-probe">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-75984605150097111522015-02-27T20:42:00.000-05:002015-02-27T20:42:10.948-05:00Ex-SCSU instructor sentenced to 2 years for sex with high school studentBy Jennifer Swift<br />
Register Staff<br />
NEW LONDON >> A former Ledyard High School teacher and short-term
instructor at Southern Connecticut State University was sentenced Wednesday to
10 years in prison, suspended after he serves two years, as part of a plea deal
in which he admitted to having an illegal sexual relationship with a
17-year-old Ledyard student.<br />
William Friskey must serve at least 9 months of the 2-year sentence and will
then be placed on probation for 15 years. He will be placed on the sex offender
registry for 10 years, according to a clerk at Superior Court in New London.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150225/ex-scsu-instructor-sentenced-to-2-years-for-sex-with-high-school-student">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Read the December story on the Register's investigation <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141221/scsu-let-accused-prof-teach-before-required-background-check-records-show">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-19140488958039993582015-02-03T12:25:00.000-05:002015-02-03T12:25:11.503-05:00Details emerge about West Haven shop teacher’s expenditures, trips<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jE2pGkz3kqzsgFny7v6MSoM8Cg4mcuQ6RKzE4WUXiJxc8aLx17RJulnLoCrNdV-8PN2WUgkLeCsZMbxm0vaZwEZabZmSjanu2CeydeTie7l1IwzC5ZHIeIeawATrsGsmN_IRMuQAEIM/s1600/truckpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jE2pGkz3kqzsgFny7v6MSoM8Cg4mcuQ6RKzE4WUXiJxc8aLx17RJulnLoCrNdV-8PN2WUgkLeCsZMbxm0vaZwEZabZmSjanu2CeydeTie7l1IwzC5ZHIeIeawATrsGsmN_IRMuQAEIM/s1600/truckpic.jpg" height="175" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="hnews hentry item">
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<div class="single-image" id="main-media">
<figure><figcaption>(Catherine Avalone - New Haven Register) A Ford F250 4x4 Off-Road pickup truck that the West Haven Board
of Education bought with Carl D. Perkins technology grant funds was parked
Friday behind a locked gate at West Haven High School's Ken Strong Stadium
following the retirement of longtime shop teacher Garrett "Gary" Grant. Grant
retired as the state Department of Education was conducting an audit of the
district's Perkins grant administration. The audit reportedly includes the use
of the pickup. <span class="photographer"></span></figcaption></figure></div>
</header></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
By Mark Zaretsky<br />
Register Staff<br />
WEST HAVEN >> Recently retired West Haven High School shop teacher Garrett “Garry” Grant
didn’t just ride in style at taxpayer expense in a 2009 Ford F-250 “4X4
Supercab” pickup truck funded by a Carl D. Perkins technology grant and fueled with a city gas card -<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/government-and-politics/20150131/details-emerge-about-west-haven-shop-teachers-expenditures-trips">here</a>. Read prior coverage <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150117/investigation-into-west-haven-shop-teacher-deepens">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150117/investigation-into-west-haven-shop-teacher-deepens" target="_blank"> </a>Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-37128282285886612322015-01-09T12:33:00.002-05:002015-01-09T12:33:19.896-05:00New Haven excessive force lawsuit settled for $130KBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
NEW HAVEN >> The city has settled a lawsuit filed by a Berlin man who
was injured during a 2012 encounter with a city police officer for $130,000.<br />
Timur Andiric sued Officer Josh Kyle in U.S. District Court, claiming he was
subjected to unreasonable force and falsely accused of interfering with a police
officer.<br />
Andiric, a pilot, said he suffered a head wound requiring eight stitches and
a broken nose after police slammed him to the ground and used a Taser on him,
because he left a New Haven bar with a beer in his hand.<br />
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“It is a very large settlement amount for a police brutality case,” said
Andiric’s attorney, John Williams of New Haven. “It was unconscionable
misconduct. The settlement amount takes into consideration my client’s physical
injuries and lost wages.”<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20150108/new-haven-settles-excessive-force-lawsuit-for-130k">here</a>. </div>
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-26602877148381132632015-01-02T12:32:00.000-05:002015-01-02T12:32:12.165-05:00Convicted Madison art dealer re-arrested after sales on eBayBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor<br />
An art dealer convicted of mail fraud for selling fraudulent artwork was
re-arrested Wednesday and charged with violating the conditions of his release
for allegedly continuing to sell misrepresented art — this time on eBay.<br />
Following his latest arrest, David Crespo, 59, of Guilford, appeared before
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Janet C. Hall Wednesday. Hall remanded Crespo
into custody pending his sentencing, now scheduled for Jan. 16. <br />
Hall told Crespo he is accused of engaging in mail and wire fraud within the
last few days, by offering art for sale on eBay that is not what it is said to
be in the listing descriptions.<br />
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“Under the conditions of your release, you shouldn’t commit another crime,”
Hall said. “I have evidence in front of me of the fraudulent sale of artwork
that is not what it purports to be.”<br />
<br />
Read more of this Dec. 31 story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141231/convicted-madison-art-dealer-re-arrested-after-sales-on-ebay">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Read the New Haven Register's prior coverage, regarding Crespo's eBay sales and the FBI inquiry <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141231/convicted-madison-art-dealer-selling-on-ebay-has-been-re-arrested">here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-40101192768709782472014-12-22T11:01:00.002-05:002014-12-22T11:01:39.407-05:00SCSU let accused professor teach before required background check, records showBy Jennifer Swift<br />
Register Staff<br />
NEW HAVEN >> A man accused of an illegal sexual relationship with a
high school student was permitted to teach at Southern Connecticut State
University for several weeks this fall before the university’s completion of a
mandated background check flagged the allegations, records show.<br />
The university must complete a background check on all employees, as per
university and state policy, but documents show William Friskey was allowed to
teach before his screenings were completed. The information, contained in memos
and emails, was obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted by
the New Haven Register.<br />
The emails and memos show that even after a department head was told Friskey
was not allowed in a classroom before the background check was completed, he was
allowed to continue teaching.<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141221/scsu-let-accused-prof-teach-before-required-background-check-records-show">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-42257747253752398922014-12-02T12:23:00.000-05:002014-12-02T12:23:12.047-05:00Hamden council approves body cameras for copsBy Keldy Ortiz <br />
<br />
HAMDEN >> The Legislative Council unanimously approved 39 body cameras
for the police department Monday night, suiting every uniformed officer on the
street. <br />
The council approved 39 Axon Wearable Body Cameras for $59,135.35, paid for
by the town’s capital improvement budget. This will bring the total to 75
policer officers with body cameras, said Police Chief Thomas Wydra.<br />
“This is the national conversation of today,” Wydra said. “I’m glad the
council supports this.”<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141201/hamden-council-approves-body-cameras-for-cops">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-14358249171755246862014-11-16T21:09:00.002-05:002014-11-16T21:09:36.489-05:00Hamden settles 3 police excessive force lawsuits for $70,500By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor<br />
HAMDEN -The town recently reached settlement agreements in three cases in which
individuals claimed they were subjected to excessive force by local police
officers.<br />
Meanwhile, two other people who had filed notices of intent to sue over
alleged police brutality have formally filed lawsuits in recent weeks.<br />
The three settlements were for a combined total of $70,500.<br />
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A 2013 New Haven Register investigation found police in Hamden, New Haven, West Haven and East Haven had the most
excessive force litigation against them in the Greater New Haven region.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141116/hamden-settles-3-police-excessive-force-lawsuits-for-70500">here</a>. </div>
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-36854135254966302722014-11-05T19:14:00.002-05:002014-11-19T16:07:48.325-05:00Derby fumbles with infomercial, paid for Terry Bradshaw but won’t get himBy Jean Falbo-Sosnovich <br />
<br />
DERBY >> The executive assistant for Terry Bradshaw said she is hoping
the city didn’t shell out money thinking the football legend would be narrating
a show touting Derby as one of the best places in the United States to live,
work and play because that is not going to happen. <br />
Connie Mason said Bradshaw severed ties earlier this year with the Florida
production company that produces “Communities of Distinction” because it was
using Bradshaw’s name to draw in communities to pay for infomercials promoting
their cities.<br />
“Terry is in no way shape or form associated with this company and will not
be hosting any more of their shows,” Mason said in a statement to the New Haven
Register. “They are fraudulent in using Terry to sell their product. Terry’s
contract with this company ended in May and they are illegally still using his
name to sell these spots. I hope this city hasn’t sent them their money
yet.”<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20141105/derby-fumbles-with-infomercial-paid-for-terry-bradshaw-but-wont-get-him">here</a>. <br />
<br />
UPDATE: DERBY TO GET REFUND FOR INFOMERCIAL: Read the update <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/government-and-politics/20141117/derby-to-get-refund-for-infomercial-minus-terry-bradshaw">here</a>.<br />
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-4517429092453254812014-09-22T12:44:00.002-04:002014-09-22T12:44:58.834-04:00Man reaches settlement in East Haven, New Haven police brutality suitBy Evan Lips<br />
Register Staff <br />
EAST HAVEN >> A New Haven man, who in April 2011 sued the East
Haven and New Haven Police departments alleging officers broke his
collarbone during a 2009 arrest at Trolley Square Plaza, recently
reached a $15,000 settlement with East Haven, although the amount of the
settlement reached with New Haven is still unclear.<br />
East Haven Town Attorney Joseph Zullo recently confirmed the $15,000 settlement.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140921/man-reaches-settlement-in-east-haven-new-haven-police-brutality-suit">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-53235043500624663502014-09-18T13:51:00.000-04:002014-10-03T11:22:57.531-04:00Remains found in Vernon do not belong to missing New Haven women<br />
<div class="excerpt">
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo</div>
<div class="excerpt">
Investigations Editor<br />
<br />
NEW HAVEN >> Investigators have determined the skeletal remains of a
woman found in Vernon do not belong to either Evelyn Frisco or Lisa Calvo, two
women who have been missing for years from New Haven.<br />
Police recently collected DNA from family members of both Calvo and Frisco to compare to the Vernon remains. <br />
Police spokesman Officer David Hartman announced Tuesday there was no
match.<br />
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The Police Department’s investigations into the disappearances of Frisco and
Calvo remain open, he said in a press release.<br />
<br />
Read the full Sept. 30 story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140930/remains-found-in-vernon-do-not-belong-to-missing-new-haven-women">HERE</a> and check out prior coverage</div>
</div>
<div class="excerpt">
<a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140917/new-haven-police-get-dna-from-mom-of-missing-woman-to-compare-with-remains-found-in-vernon">here</a> and <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140918/new-haven-police-report-dna-taken-from-relative-of-2nd-missing-woman">here</a>. </div>
Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-64641111814965638842014-09-08T11:01:00.001-04:002014-09-08T11:01:18.259-04:00Funding for Project Longevity violence reduction program to doubleBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
The state is doubling the money it allocates for Project Longevity, which works to curb gun violence in the state’s largest cities, in this fiscal year.<br />
The state budgeted $475,000 for fiscal 2012-13 and $475,000 for 2013-14, but
it has increased the amount to $1 million for 2014-15, according to Michael
Lawlor, state undersecretary for criminal justice policy and planning.<br />
“This year, it is fully up and running in all three cities,” Lawlor said. “We
expect the cost to remain at about $1 million a year with it operating in
Hartford, Bridgeport and New Haven.”<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140906/funding-for-project-longevity-violence-reduction-program-to-double">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-21660969326994801212014-09-04T10:52:00.001-04:002014-09-04T10:53:50.017-04:00Connecticut Supreme Court to hear Smolinski family’s appealBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
HARTFORD >> The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of missing Waterbury man William “Billy” Smolinski Jr.’s family
members, who hope to overturn a civil ruling that ordered them to pay a $52,666
judgment to Smolinski’s former girlfriend.<br />
In March, the state Appellate Court upheld the ruling of Superior Court Judge
Thomas Corradino, who awarded the amount to Madeleine Gleason of Woodbridge, for
intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation and punitive
damages.<br />
Gleason, who dated Smolinski until they broke up just prior to his 2004
disappearance, sued his mother, Janice Smolinski of Cheshire, and his sister,
Paula Bell, in 2006, claiming they harassed, defamed and falsely accused her of
involvement in his disappearance.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140903/connecticut-supreme-court-to-hear-smolinski-familys-appeal">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-49225085429869510922014-08-25T12:08:00.001-04:002014-08-25T12:11:10.699-04:00Arrests rare in Connecticut police deadly force casesBy Evan Lips<br />
Register Staff <br />
<br />
While protesters in Ferguson, Missouri, are demanding that a police officer
who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager be prosecuted, in Connecticut since
2001, there has only been one case out of 38 completed investigations of police
use of deadly force in which an officer faced prosecution.<br />
A Hartford police officer was acquitted in that case.<br />
<br />
Michael Dearington, state’s attorney for the judicial district of New Haven,
has served in his current role since 1987. In 27 years, he’s never elected to
prosecute an officer who was found to have used deadly force in the line of duty
in his district.<br />
“All I can say is that the state gives a fair amount of latitude with respect
to the use of deadly force,” Dearington said. <br />
“I’ve investigated a lot of cases,” said Dearington, who is the
longest-serving state’s attorney in Connecticut. “But I’ve never had enough to
prosecute a guy.”<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140823/arrest-rare-in-connecticut-police-deadly-force-cases">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Read the <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140823/aclu-14-deaths-in-connecticut-since-2005-after-taser-use">sidebar</a>: ACLU: 14 deaths in Connecticut since 2005 after Taser use. <br />
<br />
<br />Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-49126379321768249332014-08-22T11:17:00.000-04:002014-08-25T11:56:22.192-04:00Connecticut won’t prosecute workers in D-SNAP food stamp fraud caseBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
The Office of the Chief State’s Attorney has decided against pursuing
criminal charges against any state employees or private citizens who received
D-SNAP benefits they weren’t entitled to following Tropical Storm Irene in
2011.<br />
Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Len Boyle said, “It ultimately came down to the
allocation of resources.”<br />
Boyle noted there were administrative and other remedies applied in the
cases, such as disciplinary action against the state employees.<br />
“All of these cases involved dollar amounts under $1,000,” Boyle said.<br />
Dozens of state employees were terminated amid allegations of food stamp fraud
following the August 2011 storm. However, all but four of 97 terminations were
later overturned in arbitration.<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140821/connecticut-wont-prosecute-workers-in-d-snap-food-stamp-fraud-case">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Read more reactions from lawmakers <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140822/gop-state-lawmakers-criticize-decision-not-to-prosecute-food-stamp-fraudsters">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-28964152041990552072014-08-12T12:06:00.000-04:002014-08-18T13:10:00.848-04:00Vacant Cheshire buildings attracting vandals as properties await development<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioDAyX8x1JkqFbD6VyBJ_E1JjEtSB-PcLe7eGj3lUnbV2nY5GyrLWnFB6O3nXlnF7rIfWSxIqbAH1fmnAYV3sbr-PV-0WGNOQryvaRADcjQIDijwSAc02cA1mcYFR2hVc6_iVMsTRGNE/s1600/cheshirenursing2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioDAyX8x1JkqFbD6VyBJ_E1JjEtSB-PcLe7eGj3lUnbV2nY5GyrLWnFB6O3nXlnF7rIfWSxIqbAH1fmnAYV3sbr-PV-0WGNOQryvaRADcjQIDijwSAc02cA1mcYFR2hVc6_iVMsTRGNE/s1600/cheshirenursing2.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
<br />
CHESHIRE >> The white shell of an old nursing home, the former Greenery
Extended Care Center, has stood empty and crumbling for years behind gates with
barbed wire and “No Trespassing” signs to keep people out.<br />
But clearly people aren’t staying out. During a recent visit, the old nursing
home building was accessible through an unlocked door and low, unblocked
windows. The interior was filled with broken glass and graffiti. People have
written their initials and messages like “Craze” and “Turn Around.” <br />
The dilapidated property at 50 Hazel Drive is just one of the long-vacant
properties in town that have become an eyesore. Many haven’t been properly
secured from entry.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140811/vacant-cheshire-buildings-attracting-vandals-as-properties-await-development">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Check out the full slideshow <a href="http://photos.newhavenregister.com/2014/08/11/photos-of-abandoned-and-decaying-cheshire-properties/#1">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-71354968098997041302014-08-08T12:56:00.000-04:002014-08-18T12:58:58.096-04:00Convicted man reaches settlement in East Haven cop brutality caseBy Evan Lips <br />
Register Staff <br />
EAST HAVEN >> Robert Salatto of New Haven, whose accusation that former
Police Officer Jason Zullo purposely rammed his motorcycle as he sped away from
an attempted traffic stop resulted in the officer entering a guilty plea,
recently settled a $330,000 civil suit he filed against the Police
Department.<br />
New Haven attorney Hugh Keefe, who represented the town in the matter,
confirmed Friday that the parties reached a settlement but refused to confirm
the dollar amount and declined to make any further comment.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140808/convicted-man-reaches-settlement-in-east-haven-cop-brutality-case">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-63066169446501510312014-07-22T20:48:00.001-04:002014-07-22T20:48:29.240-04:00Connecticut’s ‘P.J. case’ won’t go to Supreme CourtBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
<br />
The litigation that pushed for intellectually disabled students to spend more
time with their non-disabled peers in schools statewide is over.<br />
The plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit known as the “P.J. case” have
decided against taking their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, said attorney David
Shaw of Bloomfield, who represented “P.J.,” or Patrick Jordan of West Hartford,
and the other plaintiffs.<br />
“A lot of it is due to the expense,” Shaw said. “It is expensive for parents
to try to fight a case like this.”<br />
The P.J. plaintiffs had claimed the state wasn’t doing enough to meet the
five goals for intellectually disabled students that both sides agreed upon when
the parties reached a settlement, which was approved in 2002.<br />
In December 2013, the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the decision of U.S. District Court Judge Robert Chatigny.<br />
The only remaining legal remedy for the plaintiffs would have been to take
the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140721/connecticuts-pj-case-wont-go-to-supreme-court">here</a>. <br />
<br />
Check out our special education blog <a href="http://blogs.nhregister.com/sepic/">here</a>, and our Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Special-Education-Project-In-Connecticut/323147957807596">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-20279055943927387722014-07-19T13:03:00.000-04:002014-08-18T13:03:56.012-04:00Smolinskis frustrated by delay in search for son’s body at Beacon Falls siteBy Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
Investigations Editor <br />
<br />
It has been more than 10 weeks since two dogs trained to detect cadavers
alerted searchers to a location of interest in the case of missing Waterbury man
William “Billy” Smolinski Jr.<br />
However, police have not yet done a search of the property, public land in
Beacon Falls, to see if Smolinski’s remains are there.<br />
Smolinski’s family members, who have been waiting almost a decade for his
body to be found, said this week the delay is “frustrating.”<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140719/smolinskis-frustrated-by-delay-in-search-for-sons-body-at-beacon-falls-site">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-1271399384857197732014-07-14T13:21:00.001-04:002014-08-12T07:18:03.419-04:00Connecticut cops have no hang-ups about issuing tickets for cellphone use<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO3wQQEDkbjwT09Bnm05ITfgldoAGBKTCQg4caRJt3PDxnQnIbojo4C75z4lYUB-qVAvZPeAdLO-4DaMLTz1xpWRT-7SS0mNo20adqHBzjd02g577syzmwPSgQQYDB2YNp9utkQF-qcw/s1600/textingpic.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTO3wQQEDkbjwT09Bnm05ITfgldoAGBKTCQg4caRJt3PDxnQnIbojo4C75z4lYUB-qVAvZPeAdLO-4DaMLTz1xpWRT-7SS0mNo20adqHBzjd02g577syzmwPSgQQYDB2YNp9utkQF-qcw/s1600/textingpic.bmp" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Driving while texting (photo illustration). <span class="photographer">Catherine Avalone — The Middletown Press</span></b> <br />
<br />
<br />
By Viktoria Sundqvist<br />
Middletown Press <br />
More than 32,000 tickets for driving while using a cellphone were issued across Connecticut in 2013, generating more than $2 million in revenue for the state. The violation represented about 8 percent of the 414,837 total traffic tickets written last year.<br />
Connecticut has about 2.5 million active driver’s licenses, so cellphone infractions were issued on average to about 1 in 77 drivers in 2013.<br />
An analysis of the 16,000 tickets issued by local police departments (the rest were issued by state police or departments that did not provide information), using data obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, shows that enforcement can differ wildly from town to town, and time of year. Men are ticketed slightly more than women, and the racial breakdown of tickets closely matches Connecticut’s statewide Census demographics, with 84.6 percent going to white drivers compared to a state population that is 84 percent white.<br />
The majority of distracted driving tickets were issued in spring and summer, according to the data collected from each individual department.<br />
<br />
Read the full story <a href="http://www.middletownpress.com/general-news/20140709/connecticut-cops-have-no-hang-ups-about-issuing-tickets-for-cellphone-use">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342195368500132873.post-25804030080034185762014-07-14T11:24:00.003-04:002014-07-14T11:24:53.309-04:00Family of slain Shelton teen Kristjan Ndoj still without answers in shooting<br />
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo<br />
and Patricia Villers <br />
SHELTON >> Franga Ndoj, whose grandson Kristjan was fatally shot in
March, took a framed color photograph of him down from a shelf in the home they
shared and kissed it, with tears in her eyes.<br />
“I’m not doing well; the past few months have been hard,” she said. “I think
they know who did it, but they aren’t saying anything. It would be better if
they knew what actually happened.” <br />
She remembered how Kristjan would leave for school and give her hugs and
kisses, then do it again when he returned.<br />
“He was my life,” she said, speaking in Albanian. <br />
After almost four months with no arrest in the fatal shooting of the popular
Shelton High School sophomore, his grieving loved ones are frustrated and hoping
anyone with information will come forward and tell police.<br />
<br />
Read more <a href="http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140703/family-of-slain-shelton-teen-kristjan-ndoj-still-without-answers-in-shooting">here</a>. Michelle Tuccitto Sullohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01255302257555153662noreply@blogger.com0