A judicial marshal, who is also the brother of a late state's attorney responsible for prosecuting several men now on death row, has been arrested, accused of promoting prostitution.
Police arrested Michael Connelly, 53, of Sharon Road in Waterbury, on a warrant last Tuesday and took him into custody at his home after an ongoing criminal investigation, state police said.
Connelly, who has been with the Judicial Marshal Service since 2000, is on administrative leave from the state judicial branch without pay, pending an investigation, according to a letter the personnel manager sent Connelly on Nov. 26. He was also ordered to turn over his badge, identification card, equipment, keys and any other Judicial Branch property requested.
His most recent assignment was with the Chief Judicial Marshal in Waterbury.
State police confirmed that Michael Connelly is the brother of the late John Connelly, a state’s attorney who successfully prosecuted cases against four of the men who are on death row, according to WNPR.
Michael Connelly was taken to Troop A in Southbury, where he was charged with third-degree promoting prostitution.
"Mike has been a trusted employee of the judicial department for 30 years. He's one of the most popular guys over at the courthouse. I know what he's been charged with but I'm not privy to any alleged evidence that supports this prosecution. Mike will be provided with a vigorous defense," his attorney, Lenny Crone, said in a statement.
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Someone charged with third-degree promoting prostitution is accused of knowingly advancing or profiting from prostitution.
Connelly was released on a $25,000 court-set bond and is due in court in Waterbury on Dec. 10.
