Dude, Where's My School Bus?
Police in New Britain had an unusual task Thursday morning. They were on the hunt for a mini-bus that was stolen from a plaza on East Main Street. The bus turned up later in the day.
Convicted Mayor Wants New Trial
Former Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim wants a new trial. Ganim, who was convicted of corruption in 2003, said two government witnesses were allowed to testify falsely that they had forfeited their ill-gotten gains and that prosecutors withheld documents on the psychiatric condition of a witness. Prosecutors said they would respond in court. An attorney for one man rejected the claims.
Superintendent on Thin Ice
The fate of a Torrington School superintendent is in jeopardy. Susan O'Brien has been criticized for her performance and the handling of questionable e-mails between two former principals. One of the principals was reprimanded, the other resigned, police said. The Torrington school board discussed O'Brien's status at a board meeting Wednesday night. She has also faced criticism of her stance on budget issues and a proposed alternative high school. Mayor Ryan Bingham is calling for the board to take swift action on the matter.
Special Ed Porn Probe Settled
A Torrington special education teacher falsely accused of viewing pornography on school computers says he's come to an agreement with the school board, according to his attorney. Gerard Carbone was accused of viewing inappropriate materials on school computers and had originally demanded a letter to be put into his personal file clearing his name. Carbone had also demanded a written apology by Superintendent of Schools Susan O'Brien, documents relating to the matter and a reimbursement of legal fees. Details of the settlement have not been made public.
Ambulance Worker Faces Charges
A former member of the Mystic River Ambulance Association was in court Thursday on sexual assault charges. Jay Stuart, 40, is accused of having a relationship with a teenage volunteer. He had been under investigation since 2006, after state police said they found sexually explicit photos of Stuart and the teen on the teen's computer. The Mystic River Ambulance Association confirmed Stuart's employment from 2004 to 2007, but had no further comment.
Man Killed in New Haven
Police continue to search for suspects after a homicide Wednesday night in New Haven. A man was shot in the head at 9:30, according to police. It happened at the corner of Chapel and Hotchkiss Streets. The man was taken to Yale-New Haven hospital, where he later died.
Mystic Boat Murder Goes to Trial
A Mystic man heads to court Thursday on murder charges. Christopher Allen, 23, is charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery and home invasion for the stabbing death of Kyle Sheets. The 29-year-old was killed in September on the boat where he lived. Three other people, including a 15-year-old, have also been charged in connection with Sheets' murder.
Teen Girl Attacked in Fairfield
A registered sex offender was arrested, accused of attacking a teenage girl as she walked home from school. Eric Julian, 26, told the 16-year he had a knife and dragged her into a yard near Holland Hill and Jennings Road Friday, Fairfield police said. He is accused of trying to tear the girl's clothes off but ran when she would not stop screaming, police said. Police tracked down Julian after one of his former victim's told them he did the same thing to her. He faces sex assault and unlawful restraint charges. Police in Redding are now investigating whether Julian tried to kidnap a jogger earlier in the week.
Dog Killing Trial Begins
A Plymouth woman accused of starving her dog to death is heading to trial after being denied probation. Jessica Watson, 31, of Terryville, faces one count of animal cruelty after refusing to give her dog food and water for three weeks, officials said.
Lots of Storage Stolen
Someone went on a tear at a Southington public storage facility, police said. Police are investigating break-ins at about 125 units at a public storage facility on Spring Street. Thieves cut open a piece of the metal fence surrounding the facility over the weekend, police said. The hole was reportedly large enough for a vehicle to get through. Many locks were cut off the storage units, but police said they are not sure how much or how many items might have been stolen.
Burglar Sentenced to 15 Years
A 57-year-old man who fled a Fairfield burglary conviction more than eight years ago sentenced to 15 years in prison. Wallace Brabham was facing 25 years in prison when he took off in August 2000. He was convicted of breaking into an architect's office in 1999. At the time he was on probation for a previous burglar
