Len Besthoff is the chief investigative reporter for the NBC Connecticut Investigates team.
Since joining NBC Connecticut in October of 2013, Len has broken a number of stories with statewide interest involving major glitches with the Connecticut’s DMV software, patient abuse at Whiting Forensic Hospital, and issues with the state’s crumbling basement crisis. Len concentrates on stories using data, records, and whistleblowers to expose waste, corruption, and wrongdoing. He advocates for protecting and improving our state’s Freedom of Information statutes, serving on the executive committee of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government.
Previously, he worked for WFSB-TV in Hartford for 11 years, and was part of the station’s investigative unit, breaking a number of big stories, and receiving a number of awards for his efforts.
Len has covered major news stories on the East Coast and New England for 37 years, including 9/11, numerous hurricanes and snowstorms; and major stories in Connecticut, including the violence in Newtown and at Hartford Distributors in Manchester, along with the arrest of Hartford’s mayor.
Len also worked for WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, WDBJ-TV in Roanoke, Virginia, News12 Connecticut in Norwalk, and TV-34 News in Wall Township, New Jersey. He was born in New York City and grew up in northern New Jersey. He graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown with a major in Economics.
When he’s not working, you will often find Len golfing, or gardening. Len and his wife support a number of community events.
You can find Len on multiple social media platforms -- just search “Len Besthoff”. You can also send him an email with story ideas.
The Latest
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New Connecticut law targets double utility poles
Coverage by NBC Connecticut Investigates has helped prompt new legislation aimed at making Connecticut neighborhoods safer — and a little less cluttered — by speeding up the removal of double utility poles. Double poles are created when a damaged or broken utility pole is replaced, but wires and equipment remain attached to both the old pole and the new one. …
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Former Hartford immigration judge says court backlog still straining legal immigration process
A former federal immigration judge is speaking out about what he calls a struggling immigration court system, saying the process has become too slow, too expensive, and too difficult for many people trying to follow the law. It is part of NBC Connecticut Investigates’ ongoing series, The Path Forward, examining the real-life process behind legal immigration. Retired immigration judge...
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DCF responds after NBC Connecticut Investigates report on Solnit staffing concerns
An NBC Connecticut Investigates report has prompted action from the Department of Children and Families, according to the union representing employees at the Solnit youth psychiatric facility in Middletown. Last week, Chief Investigator Len Besthoff reported on two violent incidents at Solnit’s hospital that left more than a half dozen employees on workers’ compensation, according to their union. Now, NBC Connecticut Investigates has...
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CT DOC releases video 8 years after inmate death
A newly released video shows the moments leading up to the death of an inmate in Newtown in 2018. Correction officers said J’Allen Jones started fighting them as they were moving him to the medical unit inside Garner Correctional. A redacted version of the surveillance video was just released. In the video, you can see Jones in handcuffs walking with officers. He ends up in a cell. Officers performed CPR. Jones...
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Workers say violent disturbances followed staffing shortages at CT youth psychiatric facility
Solnit workers say violent disturbances followed staffing warnings at the Middletown youth psychiatric facility NBC Connecticut Investigates is looking into safety concerns at the Solnit Children’s Center South Campus in Middletown after workers say two violent disturbances left multiple staff members hurt. More than half a dozen employees have gone out on workers’ comp due to the incidents, according...
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‘The Path Forward': An immigration journey from Burundi to Connecticut
When NBC Connecticut has reported on the federal crackdown on illegal immigration, one response has kept appearing in the comment sections: “Just do it the right way.” NBC Connecticut Investigates examined what that phrase actually meant by following the legal immigration journey of Nadia Niyogushima, a woman who moved to the United States from Burundi, one of the world’s poorest countries. For Niyogushima, the process began in...
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Lawsuits, settlements raise questions about DCF accountability in Connecticut
A string of high-profile cases involving Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families is raising questions about whether warning signs were missed and whether more could have been done to prevent harm. One way families try to get answers is through the courts. NBC Connecticut Investigates examined how often the state has faced claims tied to DCF, focusing on allegations...
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Global experts look to Connecticut as crumbling foundations crisis spreads
This week in Mystic, researchers, engineers, and advocates from multiple countries gathered at a UConn conference to compare findings on crumbling concrete foundations and basements and study how Connecticut responded when homeowners here began discovering severe structural damage. Though the problem was identified elsewhere first, it gained new prominence in Connecticut as a hidden threat beneath homes and has increased international awareness. UConn professor Kay...
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South Windsor celebrates Hindu culture at Guru Vandana event
South Windsor was buzzing last weekend as the community gathered for a lively celebration of Hindu culture. Guru Vandana recognizes the teachers and mentors who guide, inspire, and uplift others through their knowledge and example. The observance took place at Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Students entertained the crowd with songs, skits, and other performances. Attendees also explored more facets of...
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Judge denies first-time offender program for Connecticut ‘super speeder'
A judge has denied a first‑time offender program for a man accused of riding a motorcycle at speeds topping 150 — and even approaching 200 — miles per hour on Connecticut highways. NBC Connecticut Investigates first broke the story last spring and has followed every development as part of its ongoing Reckless On Our Roads investigation. Now, a judge says the extreme and...
