Category: Fairfield

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED FOLLOWING CHILD PORNINVESTIGATION


Following the initial arrest of Peter Wheeler, Jr. on January 23, 2024, the Fairfield Police Department continued its investigation into potential criminal activities involving Wheeler. During the course of this ongoing investigation, detectives uncovered information indicating the possible victimization of two juveniles.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that Wheeler had been in contact with a juvenile male high school student through electronic means. This communication, which included text messages, phone calls, and social media interactions, occurred between late 2022 and late 2023. While text and photographs were exchanged, contact between Wheeler and the juvenile had been severed prior to the start of this investigation. An arrest warrant was submitted seeking to charge Wheeler with Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21).

The investigation further revealed potential inappropriate contact between Wheeler and an elementary-school-aged female student. A forensic interview was conducted with the victim, leading detectives to submit an arrest warrant application seeking to charge Wheeler with Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (C.G.S. 53a-73a) and Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21).

On February 20, 2024, both arrest warrants were reviewed and signed by a Bridgeport Superior Court judge. Peter Wheeler, Jr. (DOB 01/30/2000) of Fairfield, CT was subsequently arrested and charged with:

  • Risk of Injury/Impairing the Morals of Children (C.G.S. 53-21) – 2 Counts
  • Sexual Assault in the 4th Degree (C.G.S. 53a-73a) – 1 count

He is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on 2/21/2024 and is currently being held on a total of $350,000 in court-set bonds.

The Fairfield Police Department continues to actively collaborate with the Fairfield Public School system and has maintained continuous communication throughout the investigation. Parents and caregivers concerned about potential contact with Wheeler are urged to reach out to the Fairfield Police Investigative Division at (203) 254-4840.

The Fairfield Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our children. The recent developments have undoubtedly stirred profound emotions within our community. We understand the impact this may have on students and parents alike, and as such, we encourage students and parents to utilize the available resources within the schools and the broader community.

We are dedicated to thoroughly addressing any actions that pose a threat to our community, especially when involving individuals in positions of trust. Our collaboration with the Fairfield Public Schools is crucial, and we continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency throughout this investigation. The emotional impact on our community is forefront in our minds, and we stand united as community partners to support anyone in need during this difficult time.

Additionally, please know that the privacy of any victims is paramount, and information that may lead or allude to their identification cannot be released.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER LEEPER, STATE SENATOR TONY HWANG, FIRST SELECTMAN BILL GERBER BACK CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL’S VOTE AGAINST UI RAILROAD TRANSMISSION LINE UPGRADE PROJECT AS PROPOSED

 

Council voted unanimously against project in its present form 

FAIRFIELD, CT – State Representative Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield), State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), and Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber today supported the Connecticut Siting Council’s unanimous vote against the United Illuminating (UI) Railroad Transmission Line Upgrade Project as proposed.  

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/StateRepresentative.mp4

During Thursday’s Siting Council finding of fact meeting, the Council examined the submitted evidence and made a preliminary non-binding opinion on UI’s proposed project in Docket 516. Not one commissioner voted in support of UI’s project as proposed. Four commissioners, including the Chairman, supported the perspective that the new monopoles should be moved to the north side of the tracks, so as to avoid the creation of a second transmission corridor in such a congested region. One commissioner even voted no on the entire project.  

Specific environmental concerns were also raised by the commissioners and will need to be addressed by UI in an updated plan to be resubmitted to the CT Siting Council.  

“I wholeheartedly support the decision made by the Connecticut Siting Council today, with not one commissioner voting in favor of the plan as proposed. UI put forward an unreasonable proposal and today the Siting Council recognized that,” Rep. Leeper said. “This decision comes as a result of the passionate work of the people of Fairfield. Residents have been united in their opposition to this intrusive, destructive, and opaque plan, and have raised valid and specific concerns throughout this process. Today’s Siting Council decision shows that they took seriously the facts raised by intervenors, considered them closely, and are holding our electric utility to a reasonable standard. For this, I am tremendously grateful. This decision is non-binding and therefore, does not mark the end of our advocacy. Nonetheless, today, we breathe a small sigh of relief here in Fairfield and Bridgeport.” 

“I am eager to review this report in detail,” Sen. Hwang said. “UI’s monopole project will adversely affect our communities in Bridgeport and Fairfield/Southport. It will negatively impact residents and businesses who are united in their objection to this disruptive project. UI’s lack of transparency during this process has been frustrating. That being said, it should be noted that the fight continues on this issue. The town, residents, and commercial intervenors will continue the fight for their rights and access to the facts in any manner they can. I am part of a bipartisan coalition of legislative leaders from Fairfield and Bridgeport which is united in our support of the towns, residents and commercial businesses. This is a fight for fairness. It is a fight to demand respect for ratepayers and their property rights.”   

Town of Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber said, “Yesterday’s public deliberation is a significant step in the right direction.  The Town appreciates the Siting Council’s consideration of the precious cultural resources to the south of the railroad tracks, including the historic properties, religious institutions, residences and businesses that all would have been devastated by UI’s preferred option.  However, the Town still believes that undergrounding is the best solution for this project.  We continue to have serious concerns about the potential impacts of a double-circuit design.  There should be no easements over sensitive areas to the north of the railroad tracks, and the monopoles should not be taller than those that are currently there.” 

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport. Sen. Hwang represents the 28th District, which includes Fairfield, Bethel, Easton, and Newtown. First Selectman Berger was elected to serve Fairfield in 2023. 

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