Month: August 2025

Norwalk Man Arrested After Rollover Crash Leads to DUI and Narcotics Charges

Norwalk Police arrested Christopher Jon Telesco, 49, of Norwalk after a rollover crash on East Avenue on August 18, 2025. Officers determined he was operating under the influence, and a search uncovered narcotics, controlled substances, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Telesco was charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Narcotics, Use of Drug Paraphernalia, Failure to Drive in Proper Lane, Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence, and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Second Offense). His bond was set at $100,000 with a court date of September 3, 2025.

Sterling Down & Dirty 5K Returns This September!

Stratford, CT –August 20, 2025– Sterling Community Center is thrilled to announce the return of
its 12th annual Down & Dirty 5K Obstacle Run, happening September 6, 2025 at Short
Beach in Stratford.
This unique, family-friendly fundraiser invites participants ages 8 and up of all fitness levels to
run, walk, skip, or dance their way through an unforgettable 5K getting dirty and sandy, all in
support of Sterling Community Center programs and services.
The event kicks off with the first wave at 8:30 AM, continuing through midday.
With over 18 obstacles, like Muddy Puddles, the Wall, Super Swing, and Soccer Darts, the
Sterling Down & Dirty 5K is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of community and giving
back. Whether you’re in it to challenge yourself or just have fun with friends, every participant
helps raise funds for Sterling Community Center’s programs and services including Youth
Athletics, Financial Aid, and our Resource Connection Food Pantry.
Participants can register as individuals or rally friends, family, or colleagues to form a team and
bring the energy on race day to raise funds for SCC.
Team Categories Includes:
● General Teams: Family, friends, clubs, and community members
● Sterling Spirit Teams: Represent your corner of SCC: athletics, day camp, after-school,
volunteers and supporters
● School Teams: Students, staff, and families can represent their schools
● Corporate Teams: Companies can boost team spirit, and workplace pride while giving
back
Themed outfits and big spirit are encouraged, prizes are on the line for Best Team Spirit and
Most Funds Raised in each category!

Ready to sign up? Visit www.sterlingdownanddirty5k.com to register.
Our Impact So Far
● $250,000+ raised for SCC programs and services
● 300+ people, families, & children participate each year

Get involved without Running:
We’re also looking for enthusiastic Obstacle Facilitators and Course Guides to help make the
day unforgettable. For more information, ticket purchases, sponsorship inquiries, and volunteer
opportunities please email chuda@sterlingcc.org

About Sterling Community Center: Sterling Community Center is a multi-service
organization focused on creating impactful and inclusive programs and services that engage
and cultivate a thriving community. With over 90 years of history, we are guided by values of
welcoming all, leading with compassion and dignity, and embracing the diversity of the
community we serve. Our constellation of offerings include athletics, youth development,
volunteer opportunities, and programs for all ages. Through the Resource Connection
programs, we provide food assistance and support to neighbors facing times of need. We
strive to bring people together and nurture a community we can all be proud of.

Bridgeport Students to See Bus Service Restored Under Negotiated Agreement

Bridgeport, CT – Bus service for Bridgeport Public Schools (BPS) students will be restored this fall following a negotiated transportation agreement led by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The CSDE’s embedded Technical Assistance Team worked with the district’s transportation company to restructure the previous contract to reduce costs while maintaining services. The CSDE and City of Bridgeport are working diligently on this effort, which restores and streamlines routes that had been cut due to budget reductions, ensuring students once again have safe and reliable transportation for the school year.

“Through the hard work of our Technical Assistance Team, we were able to help secure a more cost-effective agreement that reduces student walking distances and restores safe, reliable bus service for Bridgeport students,” said Commissioner Russell-Tucker. “Reliable transportation is essential for attendance, engagement, and student success, and I am grateful that, together with the City of Bridgeport and the transportation company, we can provide this stability and peace of mind for students and families.”

“Student safety is our top priority, and now, thanks to Commissioner Russell-Tucker and the State Department of Education partnering with the City, we are able to restore walking distances for our K–12 students,” stated Mayor Ganim. “Attendance is critical to student success, and with this, our goal is to make sure schools remain safe, accessible, and within reach for our Bridgeport families.”

“Securing the funds to restore bus services is a direct way of prioritizing our students,” stated Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “This agreement reduces barriers and ensures they are in the classroom every day, ready to learn. We thank CSDE, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, Mayor Ganim, and our Bridgeport delegation—showing the power of coming together to put students’ success first.”

“Ensuring reliable bus transportation for Bridgeport students is critical to supporting their education and daily success,” said State Rep. Chris Rosario, who chairs Bridgeport’s legislative delegation. “I want to thank Commissioner Russell Tucker, Mayor Ganim, Interim Superintendent Avery, and my delegation colleagues for their commitment, collaboration, and tireless work in finding practical solutions for our students and families.”

In response to critical challenges facing BPS, and as authorized by the Connecticut State Board of Education (SBE), Commissioner Russell-Tucker announced on Feb. 20, 2025, the establishment of the Technical Assistance Team to work with the BPS to implement interventions within the district. The Technical Assistance Team is also providing targeted support in the areas of financial management and instructional initiatives and processes.

State of Connecticut Secures Amphitheater Venue at No Cost to Bridgeport Public Schools for 2025 Convocation

Bridgeport, CT – The 2025 Bridgeport Public Schools Convocation will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the City of Bridgeport have partnered to secure the venue at no cost to the district.

Hosting Convocation at such a premier venue is an incredible opportunity for our district. We are truly grateful for the amphitheater’s generosity and ongoing community support, and we look forward to celebrating the start of the school year in a space that reflects the energy, pride, and unity of our school community.

“I’m truly grateful to our partners for coming together to make this event possible at no cost to the district. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration in support of our schools,” said Dr. Royce Avery, Interim Superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools.

The Convocation is an annual tradition that brings together all district staff to celebrate accomplishments, set the tone for the new school year, and reaffirm the collective commitment to student success. Bridgeport Public Schools will lead the planning of this year’s event.

For more information, contact the Bridgeport Public Schools Communications Department at communications@bridgeportedu.net.

Line Up Set for Fairfield Restaurant Week – Summer EditionAugust 25 – September 7!

Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development has announced the return of Fairfield Restaurant Week, which will run for two full weeks from August 25 through September 7, 2025. Now in its 14th year, the event will feature more than two dozen local restaurants offering prix fixe and discounted menus, ranging from casual bites to fine dining. Participating eateries include popular spots such as Artisan Southport, Barcelona Wine Bar, Blackstones Grille, Bodega Taco Bar, Mecha Noodle Bar, The Gray Goose, and many more, showcasing a wide variety of cuisines from seafood and steaks to Latin Fusion and Asian specialties.

Organizers emphasize that the event is more than just dining—it’s an opportunity to highlight Fairfield’s many attractions and community events taking place alongside Restaurant Week. With support from Fairfield University as lead sponsor and media partners including Star 99.9 and Hearst Media, the town hopes residents and visitors will enjoy a “night out” experience while supporting local businesses. More information, including participating restaurants, sample menus, and a calendar of events, is available at experiencefairfieldct.org.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG ANNOUNCES INVESTIGATION INTO AT&T OVER UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES

(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today announced an investigation into AT&T over unauthorized charges added to customer accounts. The civil investigation follows criminal charges filed against a former AT&T employee in Stafford, Connecticut alleged to have added unauthorized lines to customer accounts in a ploy to earn bonuses and commissions.

“In multiple instances, AT&T employees are alleged to have opened fraudulent lines and added unauthorized charges to win bonuses. We need to understand whether these were isolated bad actors, or whether there is something about AT&T’s practices that is incentivizing or enabling more widespread fraud. If you have information relevant to this investigation, we want to hear from you. And, if you are a customer, please double check your accounts, and report any unauthorized charges,” said Attorney General Tong.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to file a complaint here.

“This is precisely the sort of inter-agency cooperation that benefits Connecticut residents. I am pleased that Connecticut State Police expertise with financial crimes, fraud, and computer crimes played a critical role in this investigation,” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “I look forward to future cooperation between DESPP, the Connecticut State Police, and Attorney General Tong.”

The civil investigative demand sent to AT&T seeks information on the company’s footprint in Connecticut, all complaints from Connecticut consumers regarding unauthorized charges, as well as its procedures to prevent unauthorized charges and services, what steps the company takes when an unauthorized charge is reported, and details regarding the company’s sales compensation plan policies. Finally, the civil investigative demand seeks all documents relating to responses to other regulatory actions and law enforcement investigations, both civil and criminal.

Former AT&T employee Katie Barnaby of Stafford, Connecticut was first arrested in January on charges of computer crimes in the third degree. A Connecticut State Police investigation found that between 2021 and 2022, Barnaby added or removed insurance plans at least 30 times, costing customers over $1,000 in unauthorized charges. In other instances, she added unauthorized phone and tablet lines to customer accounts, including one instance that cost a victim approximately $2,000. After her arrest, State Police continued to investigate and filed additional charges against Barnaby in June. Her cases remain pending in Rockville Superior Court. According to the arrest warrant for Barnaby, State Police found similar fraudulent schemes in Michigan, where multiple store managers allegedly directed employees to add certain unauthorized services to all customer accounts to earn bonuses ranging from $300 to $3,000 tied to achieving a 90 percent “close rate” on those services.

The civil investigative demand further seeks information concerning the employment of Barnaby, records of any company investigation into her unauthorized charges.

Assistant Attorney General Joseph Gasser and Michael Wertheimer, Chief of the Consumer Protection Section, are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.

Shelton Woman Fights Off Burglar; Suspect Arrested After Victim Snaps Photos

Shelton Police arrested 57-year-old David Pavlik of Seymour after a 68-year-old woman interrupted a burglary at her Huntington home on Friday around 12:15 PM. The victim discovered Pavlik inside her residence, fought with him, and even bit him before he fled; she then managed to capture photos of both the suspect and his vehicle. Those photos quickly led police to identify Pavlik, and with help from Waterbury Police and Connecticut State Police, he was taken into custody and charged with Home Invasion, Robbery 3rd Degree, and Burglary 1st Degree. He was released on a $200,000 bond with a court date set for September 5th at Derby Superior Court. The victim was evaluated by EMS at the scene, and police noted Pavlik had previously done work at her home.

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