West Haven employee faces fraud charges

John Bernardo charged with misusing more than $600,000
West Haven man charged with defrauding West Haven
Suspect surrenders to authorities Photo credit Associated Press

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A business partner of a former Connecticut state representative charged with misusing more than $600,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds has been arrested in the same investigation.

The U.S. attorney's office says John Bernardo, of West Haven, was arrested Thursday on wire fraud and conspiracy charges.

He posted $250,000 bail. Bernardo and his lawyer did not immediately comment.

Federal authorities say Bernardo, a West Haven city employee, and former West Haven state Rep. Michael DiMassa ran a company that received more than $600,000 in federal COVID-19 aid from the city of West Haven for consulting services never provided.

DiMassa was arrested last month and resigned.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Associated Press