Ex-Sen. Newton Threatens Lawsuit After Arrest

Former state Sen. and convicted felon Ernest Newton II is threatening to file a federal civil rights lawsuit over his latest arrest.

Newton pleaded not guilty last month to state charges alleging he filed false documentation to obtain more than $80,000 in public campaign funds for his failed run for his old Senate seat last year. He's charged with larceny, witness tampering and campaign finance crimes.

The Bridgeport Democrat's lawyer, Darnell Crosland, told reporters on Thursday that he and Newton are preparing a federal lawsuit against Newton's accusers. Crosland alleges the state Elections Enforcement Commission unfairly singled out Newton's campaign.

State officials declined to comment.

Newton tried to return to politics last year, three years after finishing a prison sentence for using campaign money for personal spending.