John Trasacco was found guilty after days of testimony from West Haven officials, federal agents and Michael DiMassa, a former CT lawmaker.
West Haven Investigation
CT Mirror’s investigation into the use of federal COVID relief funds in West Haven.
Posted inJustice
Final witnesses called in West Haven fraud trial
After two days of testimony from former state Rep. Michael DiMassa, West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi was not called to the stand during the local corruption trial.
Posted inJustice
Michael DiMassa’s affairs, gambling habits in spotlight during trial
John Trasacco’s defense attorneys sought to portray DiMassa as a sexual philanderer and gambling addict who was desperate for money.
Posted inInvestigations, Justice
Former CT Rep. DiMassa says he was paid in cash to process phony invoices
DiMassa said he was paid in a “wad of $100 bills” and other kickbacks in exchange for pushing fake invoices through West Haven city hall.
Posted inJustice
Former CT Rep. Michael DiMassa pleads guilty to conspiracy
Former CT Rep. Michael DiMassa pleaded guilty to three conspiracy charges, and he may be required to repay the money stolen from West Haven.
Posted inJustice
Michael DiMassa, former CT legislator, set to plead guilty
Michael DiMassa, a former CT Democratic state representative, is accused of stealing more than $1 million from the city of West Haven.
Posted inJustice
Wife of former CT lawmaker pleads guilty in West Haven theft case
Lauren DiMassa, wife of former state representative Michael DiMassa, faces prison time after pleading guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.
Posted inJustice
Former West Haven employee John Bernardo pleads guilty in fraud case
The charge leveled against Bernardo is tied to Michael DiMassa, a former state lawmaker and assistant to the West Haven City Council.
Posted inCities & Towns
Lamont OKs more oversight for West Haven amid financial scandal
The state’s Municipal Accountability Review Board will have more power to control West Haven’s budgets, its purchasing department and more.
Posted inMoney
CT officials vote to increase state control over West Haven’s finances
The Municipal Accountability Review Board voted to tighten its grip over West Haven’s spending even as the city’s leaders objected.
Posted inMoney
Audit: West Haven misspent $893,000 in federal relief funding
Officials are considering a takeover of West Haven’s finances after an audit found the city misspent federal pandemic relief funding.
Posted inInvestigations
West Haven paid now-indicted contractor $85,400 to pick up leaf bags
State officials overseeing West Haven’s finances are now questioning whether they should increase their oversight.
Posted inInvestigations
Federal prosecutors charge two more in West Haven conspiracy probe
Former state Rep. Michael DiMassa’s wife was one of two people arrested Friday as part of a widening investigation into corruption.
Posted inInvestigations
Former state Rep. DiMassa’s wife among recipients of payments he OK’d
West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi said payments of more than $182,000 to two women — one of whom Michael DiMassa married — are ‘fraud’
Posted inMoney
CT to audit every town’s use of federal CARES Act funding
Officials are preparing to audit how Connecticut’s 169 towns and cities spent roughly $60 million in federal COVID relief funding.