A federal investigation of the East Haven Police Department centered on racial profiling accusations has morphed into a criminal probe as well.
From a mayor who has had her own run-ins with her department comes word that on Wednesday morning, a federal task force, including members of the FBI, spoke with East Haven police officers as part of what Mayor April Capone-Almon has learned is a new criminal investigation.
"I want to emphasize that I have specifically been told by the FBI that they are investigating members of the East Haven Police Department," Capone-Almon said. "This is not an investigation into the entire department."
Town attorney Patty Cofranceso said after the Department of Justice began investigating accusations that the Police Department was racially profiling and harassing Latinos, it fielded complaints alleging criminal conduct.
"In September we were told this was a turning point in the Department of Justice investigation, and from what we were told, was a civil investigation. A criminal investigation emanated from the civil investigation," Cofranceso said.
This is not the first consequence to stem from the federal civil rights investigation. East Haven police Chief Leonard Gallo has been on paid leave since some initial findings were made in April.
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