Jury issues split verdict in sex assault case
Date:
Jun 30, 2007
Qoute:
“The jury spent a lot of time and effort on the case. The victim was very courageous to come forward to testify”
Story:
STAMFORD - A Norwalk man was acquitted yesterday of repeatedly raping an underage female relative, but he still faces a long prison term after being found guilty of charges involving sexual assault, assault and risk of injury to a minor.
Yesterday's split verdict at state Superior Court in Stamford leaves Alberto Miranda, 37, of 8 Ivy Place, Norwalk, facing up to 61 years in prison, although court sources say he may only receive 10 to 15 years behind bars. Miranda returns to court Sept. 14 for sentencing The father of two was charged Nov. 2, 2006, with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, third-degree sexual assault and four counts of risk of injury to a minor.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Jury issues split verdict in sex assault case
Potter craze summons up wizard rock
Date:
Jun 29, 2007
Quote:
“There's never been anything like this before. There's never been a series of books that has inspired a genre”
NORWALK, Conn., June 29 The Harry Potter phenomenon has cast its spell into the musical realm, conjuring up a new genre of music in the United States called wizard rock.
"There's never been anything like this before. There's never been a series of books that has inspired a genre," said Norwalk, Conn., Public Library librarian Vicki Oatis, who organized a show featuring Whomping Willows and Draco and the Malfoys.
Draco and the Malfoys, named after Harry's academic nemesis, started two years ago after brothers Brad Mehlenbacher and Brian Ross of Woonsocket, R.I., attended a party thrown by members of Harry and the Potters, the newspaper said.
- ALSO:
- Political Gateway - UPI NewsTrack Entertainment News June 29, 2007
- The Post Chronicle - Harry Potter Craze Summons Up New Music Genre: Wizard Rock
Two Pounds of Marijuana, Thousands of Dollars Seized
Date:
Jun 28, 2007
Story:
Michael Hegar, 25, of 5 Victory Court and Carlos Juarez, 25, of 2 Ridge St. were arrested June 18 on numerous drug charges.
Full Story: Citizen News
Woman gets 2 years for embezzling nearly $700K
Date:
Jun 27, 2007
Reporter:
Zach Lowe
Quote:
“Maybe they were bad businesspeople, but that doesn't mean you can steal from them”
Story:
STAMFORD - A Norwalk woman was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison for embezzling nearly $700,000 from a New Canaan company where she worked as a bookkeeper for seven years.
Lisa Odierno, 39, of 30 Barbara Drive, faced one to two years in prison after pleading guilty last month to first-degree larceny - a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.
Odierno's family asked for the minimum sentence and later said Odierno was innocent and pleaded guilty only to avoid the risk of being convicted in a trial.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Woman gets 2 years for embezzling nearly $700K
Heat of the battle: Fire boat makes debut during island blaze
Date:
Jun 27, 2007
Reporter:
John Nickerson
Quote:
“There was a lot of weight taken off of us because we were able to prove that the fire department could use a vessel to provide the same service to those on the sea that we provide on land”
Story:
NORWALK - A cast-off police boat and 18 months of work have produced the first fire boat in city history.
Eleven days before its planned debut on the night of July 3, when fireworks are planned off Calf Pasture Beach, the 24-foot Harry E. Brower was unexpectedly called into service Friday night when an abandoned house on Chimon Island was set on fire.
Fire Lt. Jon Maggio was nearing the end of his shift and heard reports of a fire on the island just before 6 p.m.
When the blaze was confirmed, Maggio, who has been working on the retired police boat with Lt. Michael Pirri, told Deputy Chief Kenneth Ehlers the craft was ready to transport men and equipment.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Heat of the battle: Fire boat makes debut during island blaze
Police: Bank robber may have fled in taxi
Date:
Jun 27, 2007
Reporter:
John Nickerson
Quote:
“The street needs more security.”
Story:
NORWALK - A taxi may have been the getaway vehicle used in the latest city bank robbery.
At 3:12 p.m. yesterday, a man wearing a baseball cap walked into the Bank of America branch at 48 Wall St, and indicated that he had a gun, police said.
'He lifted up his shirt and either showed the handle of a gun or intimated with his actions that he had one,' Detective Bureau Lt. Thomas Cummings said.
Witnesses said the suspect may have fled the area in a taxi cab, Cummings said.
The man was described to be in his late teens or early 20s.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Police: Bank robber may have fled in taxi
No crowds? No problem: Jazz fest promises to return in '08
Date:
Jun 26, 2007
Reporter:
Matt Breslow
Quote:
“There was a couple there from St. Louis.
How do you like that?”
Story:
NORWALK - The first Norwalk Jazz Festival didn't attract the crowd of thousands that organizers wanted, but the head of the firm behind Saturday's event said he was pleased with attendance and will stage a sequel next year.
Based on how the day went, the executive board of DMG and Associates LLC decided Saturday night to hold a second annual festival, Herbert Grant, its president and chief executive officer, said yesterday.
'We said, you know what? We're going to do 2008 - not a problem,' said Grant, whose Norwalk-based music promotion company produced the festival with help from corporate sponsors.
Comment:
Dave Said: They might want to take a look at their ticket prices. A lot of citys have free music fests....why would someone want to pay $50 a person.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: No crowds? No problem: Jazz fest promises to return in '08
Gang drug dealer arrested, police say
Date:
Jun 25, 2007
Reporter:
John Nickerson
Quote:
“We have been working on him for a long time”
Story:
NORWALK - Police said they arrested one of the city's biggest gang drug dealers yesterday after an investigation that spanned almost two years.
Eric Frank, 19, of 28 Center Ave., is being held on $1.5 million bond after he was charged yesterday with 14 counts each of sale of narcotics, sale of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a public housing complex, possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a public housing complex.
Special Services Officer Mark Suda said Frank is the leader of the Westsiders drug organization, which employed as many as 15 people selling drugs.
Comment:
Jake Says: cant be 4 real he wasnt no leader
Full Story: Stamford Advocate
Original Stamford Advocate article: Gang drug dealer arrested, police say
Family hopes found wallet changes ruling on man's death
Date:
Jun 24, 2007
Reporter:
Zach Lowe
Qoute:
“I think it was a robbery gone bad, and I think we are starting to show that with the evidence”
Story:
Stamford- A private investigator said last week he recovered a wallet in Stamford belonging to a city man who was found dead in 2005 on a rocky railroad embankment in Norwalk.
The investigator and Rizzi's father hope the find will push two police departments to reconsider their conclusion that the death of Brandon Rizzi, 29, was an accident.
'How can you explain this wallet being found miles away from the railroad tracks?' asked the investigator, Vito Colucci Jr. of Stamford.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority police classified the death as an accident two months after Rizzi was found naked with a fractured skull behind Mermaids Gentleman's Club & Spirits in East Norwalk on Dec. 1, 2005.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Family hopes found wallet changes ruling on man's death
Norwalk High grads look ahead
Date:
Jun 23, 2007
Reporter:
Alexandra Fenwick
Quote:
“Even when they tried something, I couldn't be mad. They melted me.”
Story:
NORWALK - Inside the Norwalk High School auditorium yesterday, where seniors gathered in green-and-white caps and gowns for their graduation, Housemaster Mark Karagus told the students not to throw their mortarboards in the air at the conclusion of the ceremony. The pointed edges are dangerous, he said.
'We haven't thrown caps in the past, and we're not going to do it tonight,' Karagus said to a chorus of groans.
Though yesterday's 105th Norwalk High School commencement exercises went smoothly, they didn't adhere to past practices.
Full Story: Stamford Advocate
Original Stamford Advocate article: Norwalk High grads look ahead
Complete Coverage: 1 more story
- Norwalk Advocate - Norwalk High grads look ahead
Democrats call for DeLuca probe
Date:
Jun 22, 2007
Quote:
“With due respect to Senator Williams, I would hope that he puts aside his inquiry for at least two days so we can get our budget and then he can investigate, or ask or do whatever he wants to do”
Story:
Senate Democrats want a bipartisan legislative investigation into Republican Sen.
Complete Coverage: 1 more story
- Hartford Courant - Senate Democrats want investigation into DeLuca's actions
3 arrested after weapons, explosives found in apartment
Date:
Jun 21, 2007
Story:
Stamford - Three people were arrested at the Woodside Green complex that was evacuated early Thursday after dozens of weapons, explosives and threatening literature including a drawing of what appeared to be ...
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Breakfast at Tiffany's focuses on networking
Date:
Jun 21, 2007
Quote:
“We dress them, help them with family issues, parenting issues, computer skills, etc.”
Story:
In the 21st century version, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" gives women a chance to unite for a good cause.
Property owner fights for a fair deal
Date:
Jun 20, 2007
Reporter:
Tim Stelloh
Quote:
“I hope this goes away. I hope I'll wake up and this will have been a nightmare.”
Story:
NORWALK - Nancy Esposito has never been shy with her criticisms of Stanley Seligson's plan to redevelop her neighborhood.
Last week, her voice got louder - and her opposition to eminent domain sharper.
'Hell No, We Won't Go!' reads a banner slung from the side of her business at West Avenue and Merwin Street. That shop, Casey's Sheet Metal, sits in the path of Seligson's redevelopment plan.
Esposito is worried that talks with Seligson - who has purchased much of the property in his plan but still has several deals to make - will fail, and the city will pursue eminent domain to seize remaining land.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Original Norwalk Advocate article: Property owner fights for a fair deal
City pastor jailed in slashing attack on her husband
Date:
Jun 19, 2007
Reporter:
John Nickerson
Quote:
“It is almost like she is two different people.”
Story:
NORWALK - The Rev. Maria Fodor, pastor at South Norwalk's Calvin Reformed Church, was arrested early Sunday evening after she slashed her husband's forearm with a butcher knife, authorities said.
The alleged assault happened at about 6:30 p.m. in the kitchen of the couple's 19 Fifth St. home, police said, reportedly while her husband was using a computer. The weapon used in the attack, a large knife, was found in the kitchen, Lt. Paul Resnick said.
Fodor, 51, was arraigned yesterday on second-degree assault charges at state Superior Court in Norwalk. She was taken to the York Correctional Institution in Niantic after Judge Burton Kaplan set a $40,000 cash bond in the case.
Full Story: Stamford Advocate
Original Stamford Advocate article: City pastor jailed in slashing attack on her husband
Police, state officials discuss underage drinking at Central
Date:
Jun 18, 2007
Quote:
“We're all getting together to tackle the problem of underage drinking”
Story:
The Governor's Prevention Partnership drug awareness group held a conference at CCSU Monday to discuss ways to prevent underage drinking.
About one third of all deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds are from traffic crashes. In 22 percent of those crashes, the driver was under the influence of alcohol, according to the Governor's Prevention Partnership drug awareness group.
The partnership held a conference at Central Connecticut State University Monday to share knowledge with law enforcement officials and discuss ways to curb underage drinking on college campuses and the community.
"It's an issue that's definitely front and center," said Celine Provini, program manager.
Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling, president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, and Susan Naide, senior assistant state's attorney and DUI coordinator for the Division of Criminal Justice, served as the keynote speakers for the event....
Full Story: The Bristol Press
Complete Coverage: 1 more story
Forum to address ways to prevent nursing crisis
Date:
Jun 17, 2007
Quote:
“If we have a medical shortage that's going to last for 20 years, these people can help bridge the gap.”
Story:
NORWALK - It's considered a perfect storm in health care.
As the population ages and requires more care, more nurses will be retiring and shortages are predicted in radiology, respiratory care, physical therapy and other medical fields.
Hospitals and colleges are trying to solve the problem before it grows in the next decade.
This nursing shortage is different from those of the past, said Mary Nolan, vice president of nursing and patient care at Norwalk Hospital.
'It's that double hit that really is making the projected shortage significant,' Nolan said.
Full Story: Norwalk Advocate
Probation could clear the way for officer's return
by Stamford Advocate
Jun 17, 2007
via Stamford Advocate
“During the next two years, if he commits any significant violations of the department manual, he will be terminated”
NORWALK - A police officer placed on administrative leave 30 months ago after being charged with tampering with evidence during an investigation of his teenage son was given a form of probation yesterday that could result in the charges being erased.
Officer Russell Ouellette, 47, was granted accelerated rehabilitation in state Superior Court in Norwalk.
Ouellette was charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution in the case of his son, who reportedly impersonated a police officer while using a phony unmarked police car registered to his father to pull over a woman driver in 2004.
=============================================
Just Short Of A Budget Deal
by Hartford Courant
Jun 16, 2007
Via Hartford Courant
“I thought we were going to be able to reach a final agreement yesterday”
With the end of the fiscal year two weeks away, state budget negotiations suspended Friday short of a deal, even though Democrats and Republicans now agree the state can balance its books for next year with little or no tax increase.
Democrats have given up on a progressive income tax rate, which would have raised taxes on the wealthiest 5 percent of residents and cut taxes for a majority of taxpayers, removing one major obstacle to a settlement.
'We are on the two-yard line, but, as is often the case, those last two yards are the toughest,' said House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk.
Utility shutoff enrages resident
Jun 15, 2007
“Get the [obscenity] off this property or else.”
A Beverly Drive man was charged June 7 with second-degree threatening and two counts of assaulting an officer after he allegedly tried to intimidate a utility worker and then fought with police.
Webloyalty.com expands into UK
Jun 14, 2007
City Police Officer In Trouble Again
Jun 14, 2007
“It wouldn't be appropriate for me to make any comment at this point”
The Norwalk police officer who was fired for removing a skull fragment from the scene of a fatal accident and later reinstated, is in trouble again, this time for allegedly pointing a gun at a man in a Sandy ...
Officer under investigation again
by Norwalk Advocate
Jun 13, 2007
via Norwalk Advocate
“It would be inappropriate to comment on anything at this point”
NORWALK - A city police officer fired, then reinstated after taking a skull fragment from an accident scene in 2005 is under investigation for allegedly pointing his gun at a man in a Newtown bar early Saturday, police and judicial officials said.
Patrolman Liam Callahan, a 10-year veteran of the department, was placed on administrative leave Saturday night as a result of the investigation, sources said. s A report from Newtown police said a man called at 2:42 a.m. Saturday to report that an unknown man threatened him with a gun at 100 Church Hill Road Restaurant.
Lawmakers head toward special session as budget impasse persists
Jun 12, 2007
“We are so close to a deal, it's ridiculous. And the governor, by the way, who we haven't seen, who was not in that negotiation last night, is out here doing press releases ready to blow this up.”
With the legislature's adjournment just hours away Wednesday, lawmakers headed for a special session later this month as hopes of an 11th hour budget deal with the governor dimmed.
Proposed ethics code is tougher and looser than others
By Norwalk Advocate
Jun 11, 2007
Via Norwalk Advocate
NORWALK - More than three years in the making, and after a final round of changes last week, a new ethics code for city officials and workers is headed to the Common Council for approval.
The document outlines conflicts of interest, bars certain practices and creates an independent commission to rule on ethics complaints.
The council's Ethics Committee, charged with handling complaints under Norwalk's 40-year-old Code of Ethics, and the Ordinance Committee drafted the updates.
The council, expected to vote late this month or early next month, considered revising the ethics code after the corruption scandal that led to the resignation of former governor, John Rowland.
Norwalk sees a record number of bank robberies
Norwalk Advocate
Jun 10, 2007
Via Norwalk Advocate
“Banks are not in the business of security; they are in the business of banking”
NORWALK - Norwalk is bucking a trend with the five bank robberies in the city from May 3 to June 4, FBI officials said Friday.
Even with a slight rise in violent crimes reported across the country, according to FBI statistics, Connecticut has seen bank robberies decline for five straight years. Officials said that with the 35 robberies reported statewide so far this year, Connecticut appears on track to end 2007 with about the same number - 77 - that were reported to the FBI last year.
Fairfield County is leading the state, with 17 bank robberies so far, including the record-breaking five in Norwalk in a month. The county appears poised to surpass its 2006 record of 21 bank robberies.
Judge cuts bail for accused bank robber
by Greenwich Time
Jun 9, 2007
Via Greenwich Time
"They are violent charges. It was a bank robbery”
NORWALK - Bail was reduced by more than half yesterday for the man charged with robbing the Bank of America branch on Main Avenue early last month.
During an appearance yesterday at state Superior Court in Norwalk, the bond for John Petrides, who allegedly left behind a prescription medicine container with his name on it in the May 3 robbery, was reduced from $300,100 to $135,000.
Since May 3, four more banks have been robbed in the city, doubling the number of such robberies for all of last year.
Robbers hit two Norwalk Banks
by Stamford Advocate
Jun 8, 2007
Via Stamford Advocate
“No matter where you go, you will find a spike in these types of crimes.”
NORWALK - Two strip mall bank branches in different parts of the city were robbed in apparently unrelated incidents yesterday afternoon, in Norwalk's fourth and fifth such holdups this year.
The first robbery occurred at 1:45 p.m. at the Citibank branch at 607 Main Ave., followed 29 minutes later by the holdup at Patriot National Bank at 365 Westport Ave. No injuries were reported in either robbery, Detective Bureau Sgt. David O'Connor said.
The robberies were pulled off by different men and have no connection, O'Connor said. The suspects are at large.
==============================================Moose Collision Leaves Driver In Seriuos Condition
Jun 7, 2007
Fire department settles FOI suit: McCarthy won't face suspension
by Norwalk Advocate
Jun 6, 2007
Via Norwalk Advocate
“Not only were we able to clear the fire chief's reputation, but more importantly, we secured the public's right to be involved in the process and sent a clear message that secret meetings can never be tolerated.”
NORWALK -AOEA Common Council subcommittee's January recommendation to suspend Fire Chief Denis McCarthy was nullified this week under an agreement settling a Freedom of Information complaint The Advocate lodged against the panel.
The Advocate filed the complaint Feb. 2 with the state FOI Commission over the secret meeting during which a subcommittee of the council's Health, Welfare and Public Safety Committee agreed to make the recommendation.
The subcommittee was formed in January to investigate issues surrounding a video recording that surfaced in November, purportedly showing a city fireman using two racial slurs in the workplace.
============================================
Police charge man with $2 robbery
Jun 6, 2007
Via Stamford Advocate
NORWALK - Police quickly apprehended a suspect they think pulled off a knifepoint robbery Sunday, but suspects in two other robberies that day are at large.
Officers arrested Santoni Bass, 44, of 4 Merritt St., Norwalk, and charged him with first-degree robbery less than 20 minutes after a South Norwalk man called police to say he was robbed.
The man said he was walking down South Main near Concord Street when a man, whom the victim identified as Bass, threatened to cut him with a small folding knife if he didn't give him his money, police said.
=============================================
Medical marijuana bill OK
Jun 5, 2007
Via Stamford Advocate
“We hear your pain. We feel your pain”
HARTFORD - The state Senate, in a 23-13 bipartisan vote, last night approved a bill to legalize the medical use of marijuana to relieve the suffering of patients with debilitating conditions such as cancer or AIDS.
The legislation, approved May 23 by the House, 89-58, heads to Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell for her signature.
If the legislation becomes law, Connecticut will become the 13th state to allow the palliative use of marijuana despite the federal prohibition against it.
'She'll read it thoroughly and think it over,' Rell spokesman Adam Liegeot said.
==============================================
Many locals split with party
Jun 4, 2007
Via Norwalk Advocate
“I did everything they asked for”
HARTFORD - State Rep. Christel Truglia, D - Stamford, stood to one side of the House of Representatives chamber yesterday listening as Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, railed against her party's tax plan.
Although none of them rose to join Cafero in speaking out against the proposal, Truglia and Stamford's four other Democratic representatives decided they would buck party leadership and join the GOP in opposing the plan.
'It's hard for me,' Truglia said. 'But we sort of have to draw a line in the sand.'
