An East Haven zoning official accused of taking illegal payments in exchange for zoning decisions was arrested Wednesday morning on a federal criminal complaint, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Frank Biancur Jr., the planning and zoning administrator and zoning enforcement officer for the town of East Haven, has been charged with mail fraud and theft of honest services/
He's accused of soliciting illegal personal payments starting in October 2012 in exchange for his promise to smooth over any issues within the zoning office.
"I am saddened by the charges that were unsealed today regarding East Haven's Zoning Enforcement Officer Frank Biancur," East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "I want to assure residents that while this is certainly discouraging, we will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this development will in no way disrupt the Zoning Department or that department's daily business."
Maturo declined to comment on Biancur's employment status but said "insofar as this involves Town business it is a personnel matter and will be addressed accordingly."
The mayor said a town employee called him at home last week to disclose the allegations against Biancur. Maturo alerted the town police chief and federal authorities, who began investigating.
"Since that time, we have cooperated and continue to cooperate in the government's investigation," Maturo said.
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When NBC Connecticut asked Biancur for a response about the charges, he said "no comment." His attorney, Vincent Amendola, said Biancur was released on his own recognizance.
Biancur is due back in court on June 17.
