Kosta Diamantis’ next corruption trial is delayed at least until April, but his lawyer Norm Pattis, whom he owes $65,000, will stay on.
Dave Altimari
Dave does in-depth investigative reporting for CT Mirror. His work focuses on government accountability including financial oversight, abuse of power, corruption, safety monitoring, and compliance with law. Before joining CT Mirror Altimari spent 23 years at the Hartford Courant breaking some of the state’s biggest, most impactful investigative stories.
Posted inInvestigations
CT DMV commissioner calls for more reforms to towing law
The recommendations would require more notifications to car owners and streamline the process for selling unclaimed vehicles in CT.
Posted inInvestigations
How McCrory probe derailed a program to help Hartford businesses
The program was to help minority-owned businesses in Hartford’s north end with training and grants up to $15,000. Then everything changed.
Posted inInvestigations
CT DMV raises towing rates, but tow companies say it’s not enough
Towing companies argue the fees won’t cover their “true costs,” but their ask would have more than doubled the consumers’ cost, a report said.
Posted inInvestigations
A CT DMV task force was asked to develop towing reforms. As deadline looms, members struggle to agree.
The group was part of a legislative overhaul prompted by a CT Mirror/ProPublica investigation that found the state’s laws favored towing companies.
Posted inCT Mirror Explains
What to know about the CT Mirror/ProPublica towing investigation
Here’s what to know about what the CT Mirror and ProPublica investigation uncovered and how Connecticut officials responded.
Posted inInvestigations
Norm Pattis asks out of defending Kosta Diamantis in second trial
Konstantinos Diamantis’ attorney Norm Pattis said Diamantis hasn’t paid him for defending him in his first trial.
Posted inInvestigations
Chris Ziogas, indicted with Kosta Diamantis, takes plea deal
Kosta Diamantis’ attorney Norm Pattis expects Chris Ziogas to testify against him in the federal bribery case, set to begin in February.
Posted inInvestigations
Connecticut DMV fires employee who made thousands selling towed cars
Investigators found the longtime employee traded favors with a towing company to purchase vehicles at a steep discount, according to a termination letter.
Posted inInvestigations
State officials never shared email warning of McCrory conflict
The DECD was alerted in 2023 of an alleged conflict of interest involving McCrory. But staff never shared it with anyone outside the agency.
Posted inJustice
Alfredo Castillo, Bridgeport councilman, arrested for fourth time
Bridgeport councilman Alfredo Castillo was arrested for the fourth time on a charge of illegally possessing a woman’s absentee ballot.
Posted inGovernment
DMV commissioner proposes simplifying sale process of towed cars
Tony Guerrera called his proposal a compromise between tow companies and advocates, but they say it wouldn’t protect vehicle owners enough.
Posted inInvestigations
Doug McCrory’s ‘HVAC training agency’ plan linked key associates
Sen. Doug McCrory involved Sonserae Cicero in a $300,000 plan to create the agency. Federal investigators are probing their relationship.
Posted inInvestigations
State officials told of concerns with Sen. Doug McCrory in 2023
A nonprofit leader alleged she was coerced into sharing a $5M grant with Sonserae Cicero, who she said was in a relationship with McCrory.
Posted inGovernment
Towing companies say DMV proposed rate increases aren’t enough
The cost of having a car towed from a private lot or by police for a parking violation would rise 4.5% annually for the next thee years.