An elected official from the Democratic party in the state was found guilty of stealing more than a million dollars in COVID funds and losing some of it in a casino. The disgraced Connecticut delegate established a fake company to submit bids for contracts, then kept the proceeds for himself.
Former state representative Michael DiMassa (D) admitted to stealing $1.2 million in tax money from the Connecticut city of West Haven on November 1. DiMassa and John Bernardo, a housing expert for the city, established a business in January 2021 and billed West Haven for consulting services totaling more than $600,000 but without really providing any.
Former state Rep. Michael DiMassa declined to comment as he was leaving federal court in Hartford, where he pleaded guilty to three conspiracy charges.
— Andrew Brown (@Andy_Ed_Brown) November 1, 2022
He could face between 41 months to 51 months in prison. And could be required to pay millions in restitution and fines. pic.twitter.com/dLD6cBr8Kg
Following that, DiMassa and another guy named John Trasacco sent the city a bill for more than $430,000. The state representative also claimed $148,000 from his wife Lauren, who was found guilty of wire fraud in July, for services that were once more not rendered. In July, Trasacco was also found guilty of wire fraud.
In a casino, DiMassa allegedly wagered at least some of the money he had stolen. He must now pay back the whole sum in reparations and risk serving up to 51 months in jail. West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi (D) reports that the city has added numerous more internal controls to its financial system.
