Attorney General Warns of Jury Duty Scam in CT

U.S. Attorney Again Warns Connecticut Residents of Jury Duty Scam

U.S. Attorney’s OfficeJune 27, 2014

District of Connecticut(203) 821-3700

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a “Jury Duty Scam” has again been reported in Connecticut.

The Clerk’s Office for the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut recently learned that three people reported that they received a call from a man falsely identifying himself as “Lt. Steve Smith” with “badge number 8031” from the U.S. District Court in Bridgeport. The man referred to a case number, that the person had failed to appear for jury selection, and there was a warrant for their arrest. The caller told the people that a bond had been set and the matter would be resolved if they gave him four Green Dot pre-paid $500 VISA cards. In one instance, a victim purchased a Green Dot card and, at the caller’s direction, provided the card’s number to the caller.

The public is advised that this is a scam, and if a person were to receive a jury service-related call they should not provide any personal identification information or money to the caller. Federal and state courts in Connecticut do not call prospective jurors and ask for money or personal identifying information over the telephone. Juror information for the U.S. District Court in Connecticut can be found at www.ctd.uscourts.gov.

Anyone receiving a “Jury Duty Scam” phone call should report it, with any available Caller ID information, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven at 203-777-6311, or 1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324).

U.S. Attorney Daly urged individuals who receive phone calls from suspicious sources never to disclose personal identifying information, as it may be used to cause serious financial harm and jeopardize a person’s credit.

“Identity thieves and scammers defrauding the public will be vigorously prosecuted when identified,” U.S. Attorney Daly stated.

Middletown Safety Day & Kiwanis Bike Safety Rodeo in Photos

Kiwanis tents & safety course at Bike Safety Rodeo

As part of the City's Kid's Health & Safety Day, the Kiwanis of Middletown held their annual  Kids Bicycle Safety & Rodeo event on Saturday. In the past, the event has been held in the parking area of the Police Station, but there year the event took place at AME Zion Church on West Street.  Volunteers inspected childrens' bikes for safety and bicycle helmets were given out to participating children. Kiwanis volunteers helped children with bike safety rules as they navigated the bike rodeo course. Earlier in the day, children had the opportunity to participate in a 4 mile guided bike ride leading to downtown. This years events were organized by Kiwanian Chris Holden and Kiwanian & Fire Chief Robert Kronenberger. South, Westfield, and Middletown fire supplied vehicles for showing. Middletown's Tower 1 Ladder Truck displayed its long reach ladder fully extended.Police, Fire, EMT, and other public safety personal gave vehicle tours and were on hand doing demonstrations. Middletown's canine officer Hunter made a special appearance. Across town, Cattales held its annual Walk for Sanctuary at Middlesex Community College.

Current BOE Member & Candidate for State Rep the 33rd Linda Szynkowiz along side Middletown resident & church member Keisha Johnson enjoy the festivities.

Children were fitted with free bike helmets courtesy of Kiwanis of Middletown

Bounce houses and sand art stations lined AME Zion Church's lawn.

Councilmembers Carl Chisem & Robert Santangelo
check out the day's activities.

In the background, a trailer used to simulate a smoke filled room. Middletown police Capt. Sean Moriaty greets people with a remote controlled miniature car (see below photo) while
also providing the voice for the mini cruiser, CouncilwomanDeborah Kleckowski, who sits on the Public Safety Commission looks on.

Mini cruiser.

A variety of police, fire, & rescue vehicles were available for a closer look by citizens in attendance. 

Letter to the Editor: Mayor Drew Anti 2nd Amendment: Gun Free Zones Signs at Middletown City Hall Don't Deter Crime

The essay reflects views and opinions not necessarily shared by the Insider staff, and is published as a courtesy to readers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I I recently visited our City Hall and noticed the large “gun free zone” signs displayed at every entrance. While I understand the intention, to say that we hope no-one inside is harmed by a dangerous weapon, what exactly does that sign do? 

Does anyone honestly believe that a criminal, intent on hurting someone inside, is going to leave his or her gun in the car because they see the sign? Obviously not. It’s not as if it is a secure building - in fact I don’t even recall ever seeing a police officer or security guard there. 

Meanwhile, law-abiding gun owners are left defenseless and stripped of their rights on the property that we, the taxpayers, pay for. I am sure that Mayor Drew, a proud member of Michael Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns, is in full support of the signs. It is far past time that our local and state government start employing logic before making such irrational decisions.

Matt Malecot, Middletown

Murder Victim's family shut out of plea deal : Former State Senator Suzio teams with former Victim Advocate Cruz to demand justice for family

Murder Victim's family shut out of plea deal -

Former State Senator Suzio teams with former Victim Advocate Cruz to demand justice for family

Frankie "the Razor" Resto offered plea deal without Ghazal family being consulted

Date: September 17, 2013

For immediate release:

Contact: Len Suzio (203)-530-1544

 

Former State Senator Len Suzio, Connecticut's leading critic of the Early Release program, blasted the offer of a plea deal to accused murderer Frankie Resto. The victim's family was denied the opportunity to provide input, and was given zero details about the bargain. "This family has gone through hell since their father was murdered in cold blood, now their suffering is compounded by the prospect of the murderer being offered a plea deal without any input or consent from the family. It is yet another example of Connecticut’s justice system accommodating violent criminals at the expense of their suffering victims. Excluding the family from the details of this plea bargain scheme, displays an incredible lack of sympathy or sensitivity to the Ghazal family and it is illegal " Suzio said.

 

"I want to publicly thank former Connecticut Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz who has offered to represent the family pro bono to demand justice for the family of murder victim Ibrahim Ghazal," Suzio continued. "Former Victim Advocate Michelle Cruz is an expert in victims' rights and related Connecticut laws and has been a tireless worker on behalf of victims and their families for many years. We expect (HOPE?) prosecutors to (WILL) retract any 'bargain' until the family has been informed and given an opportunity to respond (BE HEARD). Respect and fairness for the family demand nothing less," Suzio concluded.

 

“Connecticut’s Constitution guarantees crimes victims’ the right to be treated with fairness, respect, communicate with the prosecutor and have input in any plea offer. For the Ghazel family to learn, after the fact, that a plea has been communicated to the defendant without knowing the details and circumstances, violates these important rights of the victims, and 'revictimizes' the family. These injustices targeted at crime victims, have to stop.” Attorney Cruz has been retained by the family to assure that justice for their father and respect for their rights as family of the victim are respected. Attorney Cruz is seeking an immediate meeting with prosecutors to request any plea bargain be rescinded until family members have been provided the details of the proposed deal and have had a chance to express their opinion.

 

Len Suzio is a member of the Victims Advocate Advisory Committee and Attorney Michelle Cruz has a private practice offering serves to clients in Connecticut and Massachusetts

New Entry Way to Tunnel to Riverfront Closed Until Completion

Designed by local  Middletown  resident & Architect Lee Osborne, the new structure at the entry way of the tunnel located in Melilli Plaza that runs under  Route 9 going into interstate 91 to the river front was open for the Fourth of July celebrations, but,  now temporarily closed until all the finishing touches are complete. These include painting the railings and security cameras. The structure was paid for by grant money  at a cost of $675,000 in order to make the tunnel to the park handicap accessible. The City had applied for this grant about six years ago during the previous administration, and now the hard work has come to fruition. The slopes of the long ramps now comply with the American Disabilities Act meeting regulations that allow for safe use by persons in wheel chairs. Frequently the tunnel is subject to graffiti and because of the shelter it provides, the homeless use this as a place to sleep out of the elements. The drains in the tunnel which are in place to help floods reside, have become targets of people urinating in the tunnel. New security cameras and additional lighting seek to eliminate this problem. 

The tunnel, open over the weekend, has been locked from the gate at the park side entrance. The grant did not cover work inside the tunnel, however the tunnel has received a new coat of paint.Ironically, we started a draft of the same topic before we saw the article on Patch. Please find additional details about the security cameras is provided in a great article by Cassandra Day at Middletown Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/harbor-park-walkway-tunnel-closed-for-electrical-work

Please see our pictures below of views inside the new structure.

Walls with built in lighting inside new ramp structure at riverfront tunnel entry

Handicap Accessible ramp.

Clerestory looking up inside the new structure at Melilli Plaza leading to tunnel under the highway.

Live Long and Rumblings

Rumblings

Sent in by the beautiful readers of The Middletown Insider. Thanks to all- especially The Colonel for his resplendent insights about this pulchritudinous & effulgent town!  Read it three times to get all the MEANINGS!!

1)    According to officials at Middletown’s Godfrey Library, there is a boatload of evidence that State Representative Matthew Lesser (stop posting on Facebook every two seconds, we get it, you took a dump yesterday) and Emergency Operations Management Deputy Director Angel Fernandez are indeed related by blood.  This corroborates Lessor’s claim that he is indeed Latino/Hispanic, and also clarifies that his connection to the nation of Argentina is Latino and not Aryan.  Heil Malloy!

Matt's elation  the moment he found out
he is related to Angel. 

2)    Open message to John C. Hall (chairman of the Jonah Center for Earth Air & Money), and the city’s energy czar: (WTF? Energy Czar- please!).   Although we appreciate your efforts  to bring youth from less privileged families to participate in Jonah Center’s Annual River Paddle event, don’t you think your energies would be better placed in getting  killer David Messenger off the streets?  The Middletown Insider will donate a cool $1,000 to your cause next year if you have the guts to bring  wife killer David Messenger to your event.  Please re-evaluate your decision on this one, the liberals may you let you off the hook because they don’t have to deal with the situation but this publication will not.  Incidentally, what the hell is an energy czar anyhow?

Hall advocated Messenger's release from CVH to "worship."

3)    Rumor has it that Mayor Daniel Drew called a  city worker to his office to offer a verbal spanking  about his reputed online comments made on his personal time as a private citizen.  Dan have you ever heard of the 1^st Amendment? Right, it’s over in China with your report.
  

4)    It’s official: former councilman and beekeeper Earl V. Roberts is seeking the Republican nomination for Mayor. The problem, the GOP has nobody to run and want to keep it that way. Perhaps they can run John C. Hall or David Messenger- what a team that would be. 

5)    After the new re-organization, something that was supposed to decrease the size of government breaking news: many positions open, but there is a huge shortage of Serracrats to fill those spots. Go figure!! 

6)    Paging Danny Drew, paging Drew, Danny:  Last week the state had an emergency management drill for disaster training in M-town, and guess who was not involved in the festivities? (Cause you know damn well if he was, his face would be all over the Mess the way he likes it) Yep, his name rhymes with Lan Lew or Stan Screw. Dan Drew was not present for any of this crucial drill, but no worries folkies, Drew’s chief of staff Joseph “WTF” Samolis made hourly broadcasts to inform citizens about the percentage of streets cleared from snow. 
  The National Guard stopped by Middletown and was turned away by the king of Middletown because "he can handle it on his own."  (Okay we mixed two events on this one, but read between the lines people.) 

7)    What prominent member of the Democratic Town Committee is a big racist! Nuff said!

8)    Which is greater: how many paychecks  Middletown gives to city music man Marco Gaylord or the amount of licks it takes to get the bottom of a Tootsie Roll.  How many jobs can this one many do? He’s got w-2 fever!

9)    The Department of Transportation to have a meeting (breakfast) to discuss the fate of the Route 17 to Route 9 on-ramp (by Harbor Park) aka the deadliest exit in Connecticut or Rear Ender Central.  You know it’s funny; Democrat Representative Joseph Serra, head of the Committee on Highways and Transportation,  has been in office for a ¼ of a century and this issue if finally being discussed.  Hey voters, you keep voting him in- good for you. 

10) According to www.newsjunkie.com: Connecticut State Representative Matthew Lesser, new member of the Latino group Menuedo & Hispanic Latino Caucus, is attempting to propose a bill that would allow all illegal aliens in the state to have a card that ENTITLES them to free car insurance. The program is called Lessorcare and he has already printed out cards at he Wesleyan University computer lab in hopes that his bill becomes a law.  Speaking of Wesleyan University, why is Michael Roth and the gang so proud of a  DROP-OUT who complains about rising interest rates on student loans? Does he care about the janitors and cafeteria workers who went on strike? Come Mathew let’s step up to the plate and help the real workers!

11)   Rosa DeLauro has been cast as Spock’s mother in J.J. Abrahams next Star Trek film entitled Star Trek 3: You Dumb Voters keep putting me in and I take Commie Money.

12)  This week Dan Drew took time out from his busy day to flip flapjacks with CT Senator Christopher Murphy and to chat up Rosa DeLauro about rising student loan rates. (Dano attended both "non campaign/political" events on City time ) Drew vowed to get on a plane if he has to solve the tuition hike problem.

photo credit: Rep. Matt Lesser's twitter account.

13)  Thrice sold Remington Rand building to be leased to medical pot factory (HIGHER THAN A FRIGGIN, KITE) owners Thomas Chong and Cheech Marion who plan to film their next cannabis filled opus entitled: “Cheech and Chong Smoke Remington Rand”- the film will also star David Messenger, Mark Masselli and Hope Kasper. Note: Kasper has demanded that Chong hire son-in-law Joshua Burger to work on the set with the stipulations that he gets teacher benefits.

14) Netflix has announced that they will be filming a new dramaedy series entitled “The Mayor and his Mom” which will be available for streaming on June 30, 2013, unlike the the Common Council meetings which the City IT Department is STILL figuring out how to do!  The series revolves around an ex-mayor and his mom and the amazing adventures they endure and the conversations they have over pizza and donuts.

15) SCOOP: Most people in Connecticut are still waiting for the axe to fall on the CHC (Community Health Center) due to the Chris Donovan scandal.  Guess who has the blue form with all the evidence?  Shhhh, we’ll never tell. 

16)  PRISM, which is a program that the NSA uses to track internet usage, email, phones calls and other important private information of John Q. Public says it nearly impossible for a private citizen to track IP addresses. Translation ED4ED screwed up royally!

17)  What city employee looked like the late great Bob Crane from Hogan’s Heroes?

18) Middletown Public schools to now give all students free breakfast, lunch, diner, midnight snack, and movie passes.  North End students to get special midnight munchies and free lifetime usage of a bong. (Tie it in with the Remington Rand joke #13)

19) CHC guru and Buddhist (He went to the see the Dali Lama on _______’s dime) Mark Masselli, under the tutelage of Colorado Governor John HickendooperpooopperscooperchoperChipsahoyjurjuneilovemyself will be recording a new version of Don McLean’s American Pie. 

20)  @mattlesser : #Councilman Phil Pessina claims Dan Drew as new BFF # Matt Lesser jealous vows to deny Pessina free auto insurance. #uncool

21) Thelma and Louise: Part II- The GOP women are at odds after voting against one another after last council meeting..  Rumor has it that TNT will be airing their half nude Jell-O Wrestling Match to settle the score.  At least they had a budget!

22)  Castaway II: Starring Hope Kasper, Ronald Klatenberger, Todd Berch, and Ted “I used city money to send my son to Cape Cod” Razcka.

23)  Who will be the next Middletown city clerk, a former councilwoman or an inner circle relative?

24) A citizen punches a Wesleyan professor in the face over a Main Street parking space and it is not just assault but a "hate crime," a  high naked student walks into a home and exposes himself to a child and it is a "learning experience." Wait - racially driven hate crime? Didn't Wes ban the use of racial descriptions in APB's?

24.5) Mess quotes Sen. Chris Murphy: “It shouldn't take seven years to be a lawyer, eight to be a doctor.” Right on, it isn't like we want only the best and the brightest messing with people's lives. 

25)   那裡性交是中國報告， jive驢子雞

26) Did you ever wonder why Charlie ignored his mother in Ronald Dahl’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” when he won the golden ticket? I mean, think about it, Grandpa Joe was in bed for 10 years and did nothing (Democrat) while the working mom (Republican) worked her ass off but received nothing from the Wonka regime ( or Charlie for that matter). The lesson: those that hustle and work are ignored and the lazy get ahead get more Welf…Chocolate.

Upcoming Meetings in MIddletown CT

Upcoming Meetings

Upcoming Events

6/26/2013

Finance and Government Operations Commission

7/1/2013

Common Council Regular Meeting

7/1/2013

Public Safety Telecommunications Commission

7/1/2013

Common Council Questions to Directors

7/2/2013

Insurance & Claims Commission

7/2/2013

Riverfront Committee

Guest Blog: "Blizzard Nemo" by John Milardo

 Below is a essay by John Milardo. All opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily that of the Insider staff.

“And Justice For All” is a newsletter involving my opinions, views, and commentary as a life long Middletown resident. In my capacity as a former employee of Middletown (retired) for over 41 years, I have a different perspective regarding how and why public figures do what they do.
Read in its original form here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1_6qiPEzLwEGx5q0V9sM7aohXBbhbwWYK1oqis-1eOkv8CzybZ1OfGSRO2Fpi/edit?usp=sharing

It’s been about a month since Blizzard “Nemo” struck Connecticut and the northeast area. If you look out, there are remnants from the storm in the shape of large piles of snow, but you can see your lawn now, and spring is only a couple or more weeks away.

Hopefully, everyone faired well during “Nemo” and were able to take care of themselves and neighbors. This is the first time in over forty (40) years I didn’t have to work during a snow storm. Quite frankly, it felt kind of weird to me, being able to shovel my driveway during day light hours, and not at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning.

While reading the local news during the storm, the only complaints I saw where regarding statements Mayor Daniel Drew made informing the public when all roads would be opened. No complaints from the public regarding the job the City workforce was doing, on the contrary, the citizens praised City employees. The public knew how difficult snow removal was, and they understood it would be some time before the streets were completely opened up. Many roads had only a single plow pass through them, some had none. Quite a few streets were even opened up by local residents with their snow blowers.

I think the thing that irritated people the most about comments made by Mayor Drew were his erroneous statements regarding when streets were going to be plowed and opened. First it was by mid-day Sunday, then late Sunday night. By Monday, there were some streets that still didn’t have one plow pass made through them, and he was stating that all streets were now passable and accessible. One of the most glaring issues for the public during the storm was why Main Street was being plowed and snow hauled away, when many residential streets were being ignored? The first thing you have to understand is that the Mayor is an opportunist and will attempt to grab attention and headlines anytime he can. Secondly, whoever gave the Mayor information for him to announce when City streets would be opened didn’t know what they were talking about. If he made the statements on his own, it only shows he doesn’t know what it takes to get the job done.

Councilman Philip Pessina is requesting Mayor Drew provide the Common Council with a full report of how the blizzard was handled. We’ll see what kind of information he provides the Councilman?

What the Common Council should ask these departments is:
• Did you have the proper equipment to use during the snow storm?
• Did the private contractors all work as contracted to do?
• Is there proper funding in their budgets to stock parts and repair equipment?
• Have the departments Capitol Non-Reoccurring (CNR) budgets been funded properly so
older equipment is replaced when needed, with updated, new technology equipment?

All City employees who worked through blizzard “Nemo” should be commended. They leave their families when there is a crisis, and work in harsh and dangerous situations. The Public Works “City Yard” crew, the Water & Sewer maintenance employees, and the Parks maintenance employees worked collaboratively to complete the job. The Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents of these departments work well together.

Stay strong. Stay involved. Stay together. Seek the truth.

Yours in Solidarity.
John Milardo

Letter to the Editor: Deborah Kleckowski

To the Editor,

Congratulations to Representative Matt Lesser on his third win last Tuesday. We wish him well
in his representation of the city of Middletown.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who voted for me, who helped on my campaign and who worked hard to get out the message of NO new taxes and public safety-
Suspending the Prisoner Early Release program. Though I may not have won, our voice can still be heard and must be heard. I pledge to you as a member of the Common Council and an active member in our community that I will continue to bring your voices forward. It is imperative that we work together to provide solutions for the challenges which lay ahead. I
therefore extend an olive branch to Representative Matt Lesser, Mayor Drew and the majority
party of the Common Council to work as a team not isolated by political affiliation. I encourage
the voters to hold the newly elected officials to their word on reinvigorating the sluggish
economy and to stop the massive tax hikes and perpetual spending.

Again, thank you to everyone who supported me in my effort and I look forward to working
with you to make Middletown and even better place to live and to work. God Bless America!

Deborah Kleckowski

100 District State Representative Candidate (2012)

Member of the Middletown Common Council