A new report alleges Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart accepted an improper $150,000 severance payout, one of the latest claims of self-dealing by Stewart that have sparked several ongoing investigations.
The administration of current Mayor Bobby Sanchez commissioned the report by the Crumbie Law Group, which also questions $31,000 paid by the city for Stewart's grad school tuition and "an improper award of a pension by Ms. Stewart to herself."
Current New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez issued the following statement:
Today’s report is deeply disturbing. What began as a routine review of City operations has uncovered yet another pattern of conduct that represents a serious abuse of public trust and a disregard for the rules that exist to protect taxpayers.
The findings outlined in this report go far beyond a single incident. They describe allegations involving taxpayer-funded tuition reimbursements, improper separation payouts, and efforts to secure pension benefits outside the requirements established by law and the City Charter. Perhaps most troubling is the growing evidence that these actions may not have occurred in isolation. The questions now extend beyond what happened, to who knew about it, who approved it, and who helped make it possible.
As Mayor, I am frustrated, bewildered, and saddened by what continues to be uncovered. The people of New Britain deserve a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for taxpayer dollars. Instead, each new report reveals conduct that appears increasingly inconsistent with those basic principles.
Our administration remains committed to following the facts wherever they lead. These findings will be referred to the appropriate authorities, and the City’s independent investigation will continue so that residents receive a complete accounting of what occurred. Accountability is not optional. The taxpayers of New Britain deserve answers, they deserve restitution where appropriate, and they deserve confidence that no individual, regardless of position or title, is above the law.
While these findings are disappointing, they also reinforce why this administration launched these independent reviews on day one. We made a promise to the public that we would follow the facts, ensure transparency, and restore trust in City Hall. That work will continue until every question is answered.
This is at least the third investigation being conducted into Stewart's conduct as mayor.
A previous Crumbie report detailed Stewart's use of a city credit card to run up more than $200,000 in personal expenses. Days after its release, Stewart ended her campaign for governor.
Wednesday, state Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli announced they're investigating Stewart's handling of the Mayor's Trophy Charitable Fund.
