On 01/06/2024 at approximately 12:15 AM, the Shelton Police were dispatched to the area of Howe Ave and White St on a report of a pedestrian lying in the roadway. Responding officers located an unresponsive female, later identified as 64-year-old Stephanie Peterson. Peterson was transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
An investigation by Shelton Detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team revealed that Peterson was stuck by a vehicle who evaded the scene. During the investigation the operator of the vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Ariela Treysler of Trumbull. An arrest warrant was later obtained for Treysler. On 01/25/2024 Treysler was arrested and charged with felony Evading Responsibly and released on a $50,000.00 bond. Treysler was given a Derby Superior court date of 02/16/2024.
***The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until
The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford celebrates “National Take Your Child to the Library Day” on Saturday, February 3 with “Pajamas all Day.” The annual event is free and open to the public. Families can stop in from 10am-4:30 pm (in pajamas!) for free books, a craft and a visit to the Library “store.” Special events include pajama parties for children by age. Visitors can discover everything the Library has to offer including books, audiobooks, video games, ukuleles, kits and more. Families can also learn how to download ebooks, audiobooks and music to their smartphone/tablet for free. Further information about “Take Your Child to the Library Day” can be found on the Library website at: www.stratfordlibrary.org – Events page or by calling: 203-385-4165.
On January 26, 2024 at 12:22 AM Norwalk Combined Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a person shot within a residence on Hillandale Manor. Patrol Division Officers arrived and located a victim. Officers provided medical aid to a male victim who had been shot in his abdomen. The victim was transported by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital. The Detective Bureau responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. This investigation is active at this time and detectives have determined that this is an isolated incident with no threat to the Norwalk Community.
The Norwalk Police Department Detective Bureau is asking anyone with information to come forward and contact the lead investigator, Detective Downer, who can be reached by telephone at 203-854-3182, or email at Cdowner@norwalkct.gov. Anonymous information may be provided in one of the three ways below.
Norwalk Police Tip Line: 203-854-3111
Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing “NORWALKPD” into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)
Companies Knew Decades Ago that PFAS Chemicals Cause Significant Harm to Human Health
Remediation in Connecticut Alone to Cost Billions of Dollars
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today filed two lawsuits against 28 chemical manufacturers responsible for knowingly contaminating Connecticut waters and natural resources and harming public health with toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.” The two complaints seek to hold the companies responsible for dangerous PFAS chemical contamination from two sources—aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting, and chemicals used in manufacturing and added to consumer products, such as food packaging, cookware, carpeting, upholstery, clothing, and cosmetics, to make products resistant to stains, water, and heat.
Today, nearly all humans have PFAS in their blood. PFAS chemicals are toxic and can persist in the environment indefinitely. PFAS chemicals can travel through the environment, including into drinking water sources, and accumulate in human blood. Even modest releases of PFAS can cause widespread pollution and damage. PFAS is known to cause severe adverse human health effects, including increased risk of kidney, breast, pancreas, prostate, and testicular cancers, liver damage, decreased birth weight and birth defects, decreased vaccine response, high cholesterol, infertility, and diabetes.
The complaints seek both injunctive and monetary relief—compelling the companies to dispose of their toxic chemical stocks, abate all pollution in Connecticut, disclose all research, and to compensate the state for past and future remediation and testing expenses. The complaints seek tens of thousands of dollars per day in penalties for widespread violations of numerous state laws dating back decades.
“PFAS chemicals are a toxic menace to human health and our environment. These companies knew the truth decades ago, and they buried the evidence and lied to all of us. Because of that, we are dealing with widespread contamination of drinking water and natural resources across Connecticut. We are seeking to hold some of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers accountable for this massive public health and environmental catastrophe. We are demanding that these companies pay to remediate this pollution and are penalized so that nothing like this ever happens again. We are also demanding that these companies come clean and disclose all of their hidden research to ensure our state, and our country, has what we need to remediate this threat and protect families,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Occupational cancer is the number one killer of firefighters and is responsible for nearly 75% of annual Line-of-Duty deaths. Exposure to PFAS chemicals is a leading factor in our increased risk. We need to hold these manufacturers accountable and remove these deadly carcinogens from our equipment, stationwear, and turnout gear so that the next generation of firefighters can remain cancer-free,” said Peter Brown, President of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association.
In 2021, Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 21-191, which enacted a law prohibiting PFAS from being used in firefighting foam and food packaging.
“In recent years we’ve enacted strict laws in Connecticut banning the use of PFAS in certain products because these toxic chemicals can easily get into our water streams and can cause significant harm to drinking water,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “There are safer alternatives that companies can use, and those that continue to manufacture products containing PFAS are potentially causing harm to the people who live and visit our state.”
“DEEP applauds the efforts of Attorney General Tong and his staff in pursuing legal action against those responsible for the presence of PFAS pollution in Connecticut’s environment,” said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Identifying and minimizing the risk posed to Connecticut residents by these ‘forever chemicals’ has been a priority of the Lamont Administration since the creation of the Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force in 2019. Since that time, DEEP has been hard at work, along with its sister agencies on the Task Force, conducting sampling to identify the presence of PFAS in our state, and implementing measures to remove PFAS from our environment and minimize future releases, including a successful AFFF takeback program, and banning most AFFF uses and intentionally-added PFAS in food packaging.”
“Corporations need to be held accountable for their environmental and health impacts, especially when they knowingly cause harm. By filing this complaint, we strive to deter future harm to public health and obtain critical information to address the damage to Connecticut residents from harmful chemicals like PFAS,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
“Because PFAS contaminants have been introduced into our communities, public health has had to identify a path forward to protect the residents of Connecticut. The Connecticut Department of Public Health has established drinking water action levels for 10 PFAS which have been identified to have the most impact on human health,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, who co-chairs the State’s PFAS Task Force. “DPH recommends that all public water systems test their drinking water for PFAS and those that exceed a drinking water action level take steps to inform their customers and limit exposure. Residents of Connecticut deserve to know that when they turn on the tap, the water they drink is safe.”
Commissioner Juthani added that anyone interested in learning more about PFAS and the DPH drinking water action levels for PFAS can visit ct.gov/dph/pfas.
“We applaud and support Attorney General Tong’s lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and distributors,’’ said Ronnell Higgins, Commissioner of the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “The department, through its Fire Prevention and Control Division, continues to partner with local fire departments to eliminate AFFF foam containing the deadly chemical PFAS. Working with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, we collected and disposed of over 35,000 gallons of AFFF containerized firefighting foam from fire departments statewide. Currently, with the Governor and General Assembly’s support, we created a program for municipalities and fire districts to be reimbursed for the cost of draining, rinsing and proper disposal of AFFF from fire pumper trucks with on-board foam systems. This effort will continue for some time as it is estimated over 400 fire apparatus throughout Connecticut have foam systems on their apparatus.”
“As a nurse and environmental health advocate, I want to thank Attorney General Tong and his staff for their strong and consistent leadership on holding polluters accountable for the harms caused by toxic PFAS chemicals. The Attorney General’s action assures that the burden of dealing with this toxic contamination does not fall on the backs of Connecticut residents or the state,” said Anne Hulick, Connecticut Director for Clean Water Action.
PFAS Contamination in Connecticut
PFAS contamination in Connecticut is well documented and widespread. In Connecticut alone, thousands of sites are contaminated with PFAS.
PFAS products have contaminated public water systems in Manchester and Norwalk, among other areas. PFAS have been detected in the Connecticut River in Hartford, in Farmington and Windsor on the Farmington River, in Vernon on the Hockanum River, in Beacon Falls on the Naugatuck River, in Bristol on the Pequabuck River, in Wallingford on the Quinnipiac River, and in Somers on the Scantic River. The Connecticut Department of Health has issued PFAS-related consumption advisories for fish caught throughout or in portions of the Connecticut, Farmington, Hockanum, Housatonic, Natchaug, Naugatuck, Pequabuck, Quinnipiac, Scantic, Shetucket, Still, Tankerhoosen, and Willimantic rivers. State agencies are currently investigating PFAS contamination of shellfish beds in the Long Island Sound.
Contamination specific to AFFF firefighting foam is also well documented. PFAS have been detected in private wells and the town’s water supply in Killingworth, attributable to discharge of AFFF foam at the Fire Training Area and Fire Department in Killingworth. Numerous additional locations are known to be contaminated by AFFF products, including Cherry Brook Primary School in Canton, the Farmington River due to discharges at Bradley International Airport, communities in New London and Groton near the Naval Submarine Base, Windham near the Eastern Connecticut Fire School, and more. PFAS contamination attributable to AFFF has been detected in drinking water in East Hampton and at the Mystic Oral School for the Deaf in Groton.
Since 2001, the State is aware of at least 200 reported emergency incidents where AFFF was likely deployed.
The state has already invested substantial time and funds to address PFAS contamination in Connecticut. In 2019, after tens of thousands of gallons of water along with PFAS-containing firefighting foam spilled from the private Signature Flight hangar at Bradley Airport into the Farmington River, Governor Ned Lamont established the Interagency PFAS Task Force. The Task Force led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Department of Public Health, was charged with developing a statewide PFAS strategy, released in November 2019.
In 2021, the state banned use of AFFF in most circumstances and required DEEP to implement an AFFF take-back program. Since then, over 35,000 gallons of AFFF concentrate have been recovered from 250 municipal fire departments. The take-back program still needs to replace and dispose of AFFF contained in approximately 342 municipal fire trucks, and additional fire boats, fire extinguishers and other containers of AFFF concentrate.
Manufacturers Knew the Dangers, Buried the Evidence, and Lied to the Public
The complaints charge that the companies knew as early as the 1950s that PFAS chemicals were toxic, highly persistent, and likely to spread to groundwater and contaminate the environment. Instead of protecting the public, the companies buried the evidence, lied to the public, and continued to manufacture products they knew were killing people and causing permanent environmental harm.
Testing conducted by 3M in the 1970s found a “universal presence” of PFAS in human blood samples across the United States mirroring chemicals used in its Scotchgard and Teflon products. Animal studies in the 1970s led 3M to conclude that PFAS “should be regarded as highly toxic.” One such study was aborted when all test monkeys died within the first days or weeks of ingesting PFAS-contaminated food. The company moved women employees “of childbearing potential” off its production lines, yet continued to claim publicly that its products were “safe” and refused to cease production. DuPont was similarly aware, issuing internal warnings as early as the 1960s that the chemicals should be “handled with extreme care.” In 1964, DuPont employees working in Teflon manufacturing developed chills, fever, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest—symptoms identified as “Teflon flu.” In 1980, the company internally confirmed, but never publicly acknowledged that PFAS “is toxic,” that the chemicals accumulate in human tissues, and that “continued exposure is not tolerable.” The company knew that PFAS could cross the placenta from an exposed woman to her fetus, yet concealed its knowledge and misled its employees and the public about these risks.
In 1981, DuPont began secretly monitoring female employees exposed to PFAS and conducted blood sampling of those who were pregnant. Of the eight women who gave birth during this period, two of the eight children were born with defects to their eyes and face, and a third child had PFAS detected in their umbilical cord.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed administrative actions against both 3M and DuPont for concealing what they knew about the dangers of PFAS, securing a $16.5 million settlement with DuPont in 2005 and a $1.5 million settlement with 3M in 2006.
3M, DuPont and others in the industry concealed the truth about PFAS and pushed for continued use of the chemicals it knew to be highly dangerous. The Fire Fighting Foam Coalition was formed in 2001, representing manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foams. The Coalition worked together to protect PFAS products from scrutiny, and to enable the continued use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, including by the military and aviation industry.
Charges and Requested Relief
The AFFF complaint lists 20 counts against 28 defendants, including public nuisance, trespass, negligence, fraud and negligent misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, violations of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act, violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, and violations of the Connecticut Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.
The non-AFFF complaint lists 16 counts against six defendants, including public nuisance, trespass, negligence, violations of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act, violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act, and violations of the Connecticut Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.
The complaints seek both injunctive and monetary relief, including ordering the companies to abate all PFAS pollution in Connecticut, remove and dispose of AFFF stocks in Connecticut, and release all research related to PFAS health and environmental effects, and compensatory damages related to PFAS pollution to natural resources and properties. The complaint seeks to recover past and future costs related to testing and monitoring of PFAS and remediation of harm to drinking water, soil, and wildlife. The complaints further seek civil penalties of tens of thousands of dollars per day for various violations of state laws, and compensation for all expenses paid by the state in responding to PFAS pollution.
Assistant Attorneys General Christopher Kelly, Michael Lynch and Julia Suesser and Deputy Associate Attorney General Matthew Levine, Chief of the Environment Section assisted the Attorney General in this matter.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila-Mosquera Bruno today announced that the Connecticut Department of Housing is awarding $12.1 million in grants to eight municipalities for upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income individuals, as well as community infrastructure.
The grants are being awarded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities program, which is administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible projects are required to be in a municipality with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents.
“These grants go a long way in improving neighborhoods so that we can make our communities more attractive and encourage economic growth for the benefit of all our residents,” Governor Lamont said. “I thank Connecticut’s Congressional delegation and the Biden administration for securing this funding for our state’s smaller communities.”
“These awards will help the quality of life for Connecticut residents in our state-sponsored housing portfolio,” Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno said. “These properties serve households with some of the greatest needs. The Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority continue working with the intent to address our portfolio while leveraging the CDBG Small Cities funding. These federal funds give us flexibility, allowing us to assist municipalities while leveraging different resources.”
The recipients of this round of CDBG Small Cities program grants are as follows:
Jewett City – Improvements for Wastewater Treatment Plant ($600,000): The proposed program is an infrastructure project that will provide funding to perform flood control measures at the Jewett City Wastewater Treatment Plant. A concrete wall along the Quinebaug River will be constructed and the elevation of the access road will be raised. This project is of major concern to the citizens of Jewett City because in 2010 the facility was nearly lost to flooding that occurred due to torrential rains where over 13 inches of rain fell within 30 hours. During that time, the river water breached its banks and encroached onto the grounds of the plant to a depth of four to six feet in areas abutting the buildings. The flood control wall will alleviate any such future hazard.
Morris – East Street Housing ($1,000,000): This includes the design and building of infrastructure for the proposed affordable housing project. The nature of East Street Housing is to provide affordable housing to people in the Morris and surrounding area in search of a better quality of living and avoid having to relocate and move to another location to find adequate, affordable living accommodations proposed affordable housing project.
Rocky Hill – Rehabilitation of 36 Willow Road ($2,000,000): The renovations include replacing the roofing materials on seven of the nine buildings; replacing rotted rake and fascia materials on all buildings; upgrading the existing handicap units; installing walk-in showers in all remaining units; installing new windows in all units and the community building; repairing fire alarms; replacing exhaust fans; installing new flooring; and making site improvements, including paving, creation of additional handicap parking, and pavement markings.
Scotland – Town Hall ADA Improvements ($1,500,000): The focus of the renovations will be on the removal of architectural barriers to accessing the building and providing access to and within the building at all levels. Renovations will include immediate and urgent repairs including roof and truss repairs, and replacement of damaged siding, sills, and exterior enclosures, including windows and doors. This also includes removal of environmental hazards, including lead-based paint, asbestos, and mold, as well as the repair and repainting of fire escape structures. Included in the renovations will be the addition of an elevator to allow ADA access to all levels and offices within the town hall. ADA renovations will also address repairs to the entry ramp and stairs, railings, bathrooms, doors, and hallway widths, as well as dedicated handicap parking at the base of the elevator without having to use the state highway for wheelchair access. A new parking area will be constructed in the gravel parking and maintenance access around the building.
Vernon – Grove Court and Grove Court Extension Renovations ($1,000,000): The scope of work consists of asphalt roof replacement on all buildings. New seamless white aluminum gutters with leaf screens and downspouts will also be installed to divert the water away from the building’s foundation. Asbestos abatement will also be performed in all buildings. Additional work includes upgrades to the existing ADA units for current compliance and renovation of six units total to achieve the required 10% compliance for ADA accommodations. The community room laundry and bathrooms are also scheduled to be renovated to meet current ADA compliance design requirements.
Wethersfield – Renovations at Harvey Fuller Senior Housing ($2,000,000): This scope includes abatement of asbestos in mastic, where needed; repairing the building’s deteriorated slab and rusted piping in slabs; installing new flooring throughout; replacing bathroom sinks, tub/showers, exhaust fans, ceiling lights and grab bars; replace ductless heat pumps at each apartment; and installation of a generator at the community building. It also includes adding alternates when bidding for the installation of a ductless heat pump at the community building, replacing bath fixtures in the community building, and unit pricing for replacing kitchen exhaust fans throughout the units.
Windham – Improvements At Father Honan Terrace ($2,000,000): This scope includes renovating all unit kitchens and bathrooms including low flow fixtures, HE toilets, Energy Star appliances, and additional ADA upgrades to the existing ADA units; Community Room ADA upgrades to the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and doors; interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades; replacing interior doors and hardware; additional attic insulation; upgrades to the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replacement of heat pumps; installation of a backup generator; upgrades to the call for aid system; interior painting; and water heater replacements.
Windsor – Shad Run Terrace Housing Modernization ($2,000,000): The renovations include the installation of new energy-efficient windows; installation of new energy-efficient exterior doors and hardware; replacement of storm and screen doors; installation of new vinyl siding; replacement of asphalt shingle roofing and gutters system; and unit PTAC systems.
On January 19, 2024, the Bridgeport Police Department’s Regional Auto Theft Task Force, Shelton Police Department, and Connecticut State Police Gang Unit conducted a joint investigation into several robberies occurring in Fairfield County. Law Enforcement received specific information that a vehicle recently used in an armed robbery in Shelton Connecticut was now within the 2000 block of Boston Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Police Officers attempted a motor vehicle stop on Boston Avenue at which time the vehicle fled the scene traveling northbound onto Weber Avenue. Police pursued the vehicle to North Summerfield Avenue where it became disabled and eventually came to a stop. At least three occupants fled the scene on foot but where quickly apprehended by responding officers. A loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was recovered. That firearm had an obliterated serial number.
During the course of this investigation, it was determined that these suspects were in Bridgeport Connecticut planning to commit a robbery at the Bank of America located at 2091 Boston Avenue. Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The three suspects were placed under arrest, transported to the Bridgeport Police Department, and charged with the following:
50-year-old Michael Stinson of Bridgeport Connecticut (Convicted Felon):
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Alteration of a Firearm (obliterated serial number), Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, Interfering with a Police Officer, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Engaging Police in Pursuit. Bond is $100,000. Stinson, who is currently on parole, was remanded to custody.
35-year-old Angel Filomino-Rodriguez of Bridgeport Connecticut (Convicted Felon):
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Alteration of a Firearm (obliterated serial number), Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, Interfering with a Police Officer, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, and Engaging Police in Pursuit. Bond is $100,000.
18-year-old Elizer DeJesus of Bridgeport Connecticut:
Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the 1st Degree, Illegal Alteration of a Firearm (obliterated serial number), Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, Interfering with a Police Officer, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle, and Engaging Police in Pursuit. Bond is $75,000.
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and other members of Congress on Thursday announced that they will introduce a bipartisan, bicameral concurrent resolution in support of the United States Soccer Federation’s bid for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which would be hosted jointly by the United States and Mexico. The full text of the Senate Concurrent Resolution can be read here. The full text of the House Concurrent Resolution can be read here.
Murphy is leading the resolution along with U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-Ill.-16), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.-2), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-2), and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.-14), are also leading the resolution from the side of the House of Representatives. The resolution highlights the New Heights Bid Committee’s efforts to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States and Mexico and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on the United States.
“Women’s soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and no country is better positioned to showcase the sport than the United States,” said the members in a joint statement. “The Women’s FIFA World Cup is poised to break attendance records, generate economic growth and tourism, and lead to further development in women’s soccer and youth sports. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a plethora of potential host cities, holding the tournament in the United States would set a new standard for quality and security. We look forward to working with the White House, relevant federal agencies, and our state and local partners to support the efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States.”
“We are incredibly thankful for the support from Congress for the U.S. Soccer’s New Heights Bid to bring the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United States and Mexico. Women’s soccer has seen increased investments and groundbreaking achievements in revenue, viewership, and participation across the globe. Our joint bid not only promises to set attendance and financial records but also underscores our commitment to gender equality by hosting back-to-back Men’s and Women’s World Cups. The financial success we can generate by hosting the Women’s World Cup will also have an incredible impact on women’s soccer across the globe. Our vision is to have the proceeds garnered from the tournament thoughtfully distributed to every Federation, thus propelling the advancement of the women’s game and fostering a sustained impact on the growth and development of women’s soccer. We are confident the United States and Mexico can host the largest women’s sporting event in history, fostering international goodwill, and inspiring young players worldwide and showcasing limitless possibilities in women’s soccer,” said U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone.
Soccer remains one of the most popular sports in the world and in the United States, and the women’s game continues to see exponential growth. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is an international soccer competition featuring the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) women’s national teams. The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is the most successful Women’s National Team in the World, winning four Women’s World Cups in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019. The United States previously hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, which are both considered successes and catalysts for increased interest in women’s soccer across North America.
The Congressional Soccer Caucus is an organization consisting of Members of Congress to promote, educate, and raise awareness on issues both domestic and international pertaining to sport. The Soccer Caucus coordinates a variety of briefings and events focused on creating awareness of how sports like soccer can be leveraged to transform communities and ensure that children reach their full potential.
In 2018, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives agreed to a resolution in support of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s successful bid for the upcoming 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
On January 16, 2024, at approximately 6:40pm, officers responded to a Wilson Street residence for a report of a robbery with a firearm. The victim stated that they were robbed at gunpoint inside the residence by two males, who were known to the victim. The suspects fled the residence in a white vehicle. A short time later, a responding officer spotted a vehicle matching the description and it was stopped on Schoolhouse Road. Two juveniles in the vehicle were later identified as the suspects in the robbery. Narcotics were found in the vehicle. During the investigation, it was learned that the firearm used in the robbery was dropped off at another Milford residence after the robbery. The Milford Police Department Detective Bureau began to enhance the investigation and detectives drafted a search warrant for the suspected residence. Early this morning, a search warrant was executed, and a stolen .38 caliber loaded pistol was recovered. The firearm was found to be stolen during a burglary in Vernon, Connecticut. Both juveniles were charged with Robbery in the First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree. Their names are being withheld because of their age. This investigation is continuing, and additional charges are pending.
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Commissioner of Banking Jorge Perez, and Commissioner of Consumer Protection Bryan T. Cafferelli today warned businesses to avoid an ongoing potential government imposter scam targeting Connecticut businesses. In this scheme, a company called CT UCC Statement Service, attempts to get businesses to pay $90 for a copy of a Uniform Commercial Code report. While the solicitation is designed to look like a government notice, this company has no affiliation with the State of Connecticut. In fact, UCC reports may be accessed for free via the Secretary of the State’s website at business.ct.gov.
A UCC financing statement is a form documenting that a creditor, such as a bank, has a lien on a borrower’s personal property. These forms are filed with the Secretary of the State and provide proof of the assets subject to the lien to other creditors.
While the company notes in small print that they are “not affiliated with any state or government agency” and that businesses are not required to use their services, such a disclaimer may not be sufficient.
“This company has zero affiliation with the State of Connecticut and there is no need to pay for their useless services. If you receive this letter, do not respond. If you have paid any money to this business, please file a complaint with my office,” said Attorney General Tong.
“Businesses should be on high alert to avoid becoming a target of scams, especially as we near the annual report filing deadline on March 31,” said Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. “Our business.ct.gov website can provide members of the public with access to many documents free of charge, including copies of UCC reports and liens.”
“It is important for businesses to keep an eye out for these types of scams. This company in particular, targets business entities that recently obtained a loan or other extension of credit. These mailed solicitations are misleading and deceptive as they attempt to charge a fee in exchange for obtaining documents that businesses can access at no cost. We advise businesses to carefully read any correspondence that appears to charge a fee in order to obtain any document(s) associated with a loan or other extension of credit. Before paying any type of fee, businesses should independently verify the company and contact the appropriate government agency with any concerns,” said Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez.
“Scammers pay attention to when filing deadlines for businesses are looming and then try to take advantage of a stressful and busy time for business owners by asking them to pay for services that are actually free,” said Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “Business owners should never give in to threatening letters, emails, or calls that encourage them to act immediately or face consequences. Those kinds of pressure tactics are almost always the signs of a scam. And if you’re unsure, you can do research online, or send an email or make a phone call to the correct agency to verify the notice you received is false before paying any money to a scammer.”
Government imposter scams can take many forms and can target individuals and businesses alike. Scammers may mail solicitations or send emails to businesses to “advise” them that they must purchase certain products or forms, or file particular reports in order to be in compliance with the law. The scammers then offer to assist businesses with satisfying these requirements in exchange for a fee.
Scammers are careful to design their mailings to resemble official government documents by incorporating elements such as seals, bar codes, and references to statutes and regulations. The mailings may include terms such as “IMPORTANT,” “OPEN IMMEDIATELY,” or “TIME SENSITIVE” to create a false sense of urgency. Businesses which fall prey to these tactics end up paying significant fees for services they either do not need, or could take care of themselves for much less money.
To report a scam or instance of fraud to the Office of the Attorney General, please file a complaint online here: https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint.
On October 31, 2023, officers received a complaint that a juvenile had been sexually assaulted in the past. The Milford Police Department Detective Bureau began an investigation and John MacSweeney was developed as a suspect. Detective Gallagher submitted a warrant for his arrest, and it was issued by Milford Superior Court. On January 15, 2023, MacSweeney came to the Milford Police Department and turned himself in for the arrest warrant. John MacSweeney, 39, of the 500 block of Washington Avenue, Waterbury, was charged with Sexual Assault 4th Degree (2 Counts) and Risk of Injury to a Minor (2 Counts). He was released on a Promise to Appear and is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on February 13, 2024.
