Local News – Page 115

Motor Vehicle Violation Leads to Drug Arrest

(Bridgeport, CT – March 27, 2014) – A motor vehicle stop turned into a police pursuit Wednesday during which the motorist threw drugs from his car.

Officer Ivan Delgado attempted to pull over the Kia Soul but the motorist refused to stop.

The driver got on Route 8 and began throwing items out the window. Police stopped the pursuit for safety reasons after the motorist got onto Route 15 southbound. The State Police subsequent stopped and detained him in Westport.

Police canvassed the area where the motorist was seen tossing items recovered a bag containing marijuana. Police also recovered a rolled up dollar bill that has cocaine residue in it.

Joseph Rivera, 36, of Bridgeport, faces charges including engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, interfering with police, tampering with evidence and drug offenses.

2014 MEMORIAL DAY FLOAT THEME ANNOUNCED

The Westport Veterans Council announces that the theme for the 2014 Memorial

Day float contest will be HONORING THE AMERICAN FLAG.

There will be certificates awarded in the following categories: best development of

theme, best youth organizational float, most creative, best community organization,

most colorful, and the best overall float.

On Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2014), the Parade will begin on Riverside

Avenue at 9:00 a.m. The Memorial Services will be on Veterans Green immediately

following the Parade.

GOV. MALLOY: EXP HAS HELPED NEW LONDON TECHNOLOGY SERVICES FIRM SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE REVENUE AND GROW JOBS

(NEW LONDON) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today visited Connecticut-based electronic discovery and forensic technology services provider Quantum Discovery, LLC (QDiscovery) to highlight the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP) and meet with employees. In 2012, QDiscovery participated in EXP and, as a result, was able to grow its revenue significantly and create nearly two dozen new jobs for Connecticut residents. In just over two years since its implementation, Governor Malloy’s signature job creation program, EXP, has helped more than 1,000 small businesses around the state access capital and create or retain nearly 14,500 jobs over the next several years.

“QDiscovery is a great EXP success story and proof that the economic development tools we have put into place are doing exactly what they were designed to do. In the two years since receiving state funding, this company has more than tripled their revenue, exceeded their employment target and paid their loan back in full,” said Governor Malloy. “EXP has proven to be so effective and popular that I have introduced legislation this session to expand and continue funding the program so we can help even more small businesses grow and create jobs.”

In July 2012, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), which administers EXP, approved a $100,000 low-interest loan and a $100,000 matching grant under the condition that QDiscovery create nine new full-time jobs within 18 months. QDiscovery has since hired 23 new employees and, as of May 2013, has paid back the entirety of their EXP loan.

“The Small Business Express Program has significantly helped me to not only grow my business, but also position it for future success,” said Matt McCormack, CEO of QDiscovery. “Now, we have firmly established QDiscovery as a valuable asset to clients that include both Fortune 500 corporations and AmLaw 200 law firms. We’re excited to welcome the governor and share the benefits we’ve recognized as a result of the program.”

Last month, EXP reached a milestone when the 1,000th Connecticut small business received assistance through the program. Since being created in 2011 as part of a bipartisan jobs bill, EXP has extended a helping hand to 1,035 companies around the state that, in turn, are creating or retaining nearly 14,500 jobs for Connecticut residents.

“I am pleased QDiscovery, a small company in our own backyard, is such a success story and an example of what the Small Business Express Program has done for them,” said State Rep. Ernest Hewett (D-39). “This showcases the full benefits and intent of the initiative to help small businesses grow and provide much needed jobs in our area. I am glad Governor Malloy has prioritized and allocated additional funds to this successful program this session – it will help us continue to strengthen the economic base of our state.”

“Connecticut’s Small Business Express Program continues to boost job creation in our state and locally by helping businesses like QDiscovery,” said State Rep. Elissa Wright (D-41 ). “I appreciate Governor Malloy’s visit to highlight the importance of the program that deserves to be expanded and funded to further benefit even more small businesses.”

QDiscovery LLC

is a premier provider of electronic discovery and forensic technology services. Our dedicated team of highly experienced employees has had great success servicing Fortune 500 corporations and law firms. We maintain a high level of experienced staff and a dedication to meeting our clients’ needs. Our foremost focus is to provide clients with great customer service and cost-effective solutions.

GOV. MALLOY & LT. GOV. WYMAN STATEMENTS ON THE PASSING OF GERALD LAMB

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman released the following statements regarding the passing of Gerald A. Lamb, who served as Connecticut State Treasurer from 1963 to 1970, becoming the first African American in the nation elected to that position and the first in Connecticut elected to a statewide office. Following his tenure as Treasurer, he served as Banking Commissioner.

Governor Malloy said, “Gerald Lamb was very active in community affairs, having served in several leadership positions both in his native city of Waterbury and with the State of Connecticut. He broke barriers not only in our state, but also in our nation at a time when civil rights were being heavily debated in communities across the country. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Lt. Governor Wyman said, “Throughout our history, Connecticut has been made stronger by the work of so many men and women whose vision and integrity shifted our culture, broke barriers, and instilled the importance of public service. Gerald Lamb was one of those men. We are grateful for his service to the people of Connecticut, and for his leadership that helped make us a stronger and more diverse state and nation. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this sad time.”

TUESDAY: GOV. MALLOY REMINDS RESIDENTS OF IMPENDING HEALTH CARE DEADLINE; PARTICIPATES IN MINIMUM WAGE EVENT; HOLDS COMMUNITY FORUM IN ENFIELD

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday morning, Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, and Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan will hold a news conference in East Hartford to remind residents about the impending March 31 deadline to sign up for affordable health care through Access Health CT, Connecticut’s health care exchange.

In the afternoon, Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman will join Americans United for Change at an event in Hartford to urge Congress to vote in favor of President Obama’s plan to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour. The organization is currently on an 11-state “Give America a Raise” Bus Tour

, which will end at the U.S. Capitol in April.

In the evening, Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman will hold a community forum

in Enfield, where they will speak with members of the public about their agenda for Connecticut’s future. This will be the fourth event in this year’s series of gubernatorial community forums.

WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman, Kevin Counihan

WHAT: News conference to remind residents of impending deadline to sign up for affordable health care

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2014; 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: First Choice Health Center; 94 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford

———

WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman, Americans United for Change, local business owners and workers

WHAT: “Give America a Raise” Bus Tour visits Hartford urging Congress to increase the federal minimum wage

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2014; 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Star Hardware; 2995 Main Street, Hartford

———

WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman

WHAT: Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman hold a community forum

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 2014; 7:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Enfield Street School, Cafeteria; 1318 Enfield Street, Enfield

TUESDAY: LT. GOV. WYMAN HOSTS WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, ATTENDS ACCESS HEALTH PRESS CONFERENCE, SPEAKS AT RELEASE OF STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN, HOLDS ENFIELD COMMUNITY FORUM

(HARTFORD, CT) – On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and Permanent Commission on the Status of Women Executive Director Teresa Younger will host a women’s roundtable discussion on higher education. This is the fourth in a series of discussions that address the issues facing women in Connecticut including pay equity, workforce policies, and education.

The Lt. Governor will then join Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan at a press conference to highlight the March 31 healthcare enrollment deadline.

In the afternoon, the Lt. Governor will join Commissioner Jewel Mullen at the Connecticut Department of Public Health Connecticut Health Improvement Planning Coalition meeting. The Coalition will release Healthy Connecticut 2020: The Connecticut State Health Assessment and State Health Improvement Plan, a comprehensive plan to improve the health of Connecticut residents.

In the evening, Lt. Governor Wyman and Governor Malloy will hold a community forum

in Enfield where they will discuss the state’s future and answer questions from residents. This is the fourth gubernatorial community forum.

WHO: Lt. Governor Wyman, PCSW Executive Director Teresa Younger

WHAT: Women’s Roundtable

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: City Hall, 165 Church Street, New Haven

***

WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman, Kevin Counihan

WHAT: News conference to remind residents of March 31 deadline to sign up for affordable health care

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: First Choice Health Center; 94 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford

***

WHO: Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Dr. Jewel Mullen

WHAT: Release of Healthy Connecticut 2020: The Connecticut State Health Assessment and State Health

Improvement Plan

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, event runs 1-4 p.m., LG will speak at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell

***

WHO: Governor Malloy, Lt. Governor Wyman

WHAT: Governor Malloy and Lt. Governor Wyman hold Enfield community forum

WHEN: Tuesday, March 25, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Enfield Street School, cafeteria; 1318 Enfield Street, Enfield

Himes Reminds Taxpayers Making $58K or Less IRS Free File Available

Free software and step-by-step help available for those who qualify at www.IRS.gov/freefile

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today encouraged constituents to take advantage of free tax preparation services available through the Free File program. Every taxpayer with a 2013 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile

to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

“With many taxpayers still preparing their returns, I encourage those making $58,000 or less to take advantage of the free tax services available from the IRS and Free File,” said Himes. “Anyone may use Free File to file a tax return or, if necessary, submit an extension – giving themselves an extra six months to prepare and file a federal tax return.”

IRS Free File is available at www.IRS.gov/freefile

, which provides a list of Free File Alliance member companies and their free tax software offerings. Users may either choose the company that fits their needs or utilize the “Help Me Find Free File Software” tool. After selecting a company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.

The Free File Alliance, a coalition of 14 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of Americans free access to the industry’s top online tax preparation software. About 40 million returns have been filed through Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org

Teen Arrested for Robbery

(Bridgeport, CT – March 21, 2014) – A city teen was arrested for a robbery on his 18^th birthday.

Officers Cody Remy and Michael Mazzacco responded to Harral Avenue for an attempted robbery and assault Thursday night. Sgt. Sean Lynch and other officers had arrived moments earlier and observed a male with a wood stick chasing another male.

The man with the stick ended up being the robbery victim. He told police that he has just purchased some eggs and tomatoes at a grocery store and was walking home when he was approached by a group of young males. He was knocked down from behind and members of the group rifled through his pockets and threw the eggs and tomatoes at him.

When one of the youths intimated that he had a weapon, the victim fled with the youths pursuing him. The victim, 36, picked up a small wooden board to protect himself. Police began arriving at that point.

Police detained the victim and the suspect, later identified as Elija Ceesay, 18, of Bridgeport, and through the victim and witnesses compiled an account of what occurred.

Ceesay was charged with first-degree robbery, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace and interfering with police.

Burglary Suspect Arrested in the Act

(Bridgeport, CT – March 21, 2014) – Police arrested a 50-year-old man on a burglary charge Thursday. Officer Stavros Mirtsopoulos was dispatched to 1 Yaremich Drive, a vacant house, on a report of a burglary in progress. Officers had positioned themselves in the front and rear of the building when the suspect, Willie Cox, of Bridgeport, attempted to flee out the front door. When he encountered police, he attempted to go back into the house but police apprehended him.

He was treated for lacerations to his hands that he suffered when he broke the window to gain entry and for a laceration on his head.

He was treated and released at the hospital and then booked on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree criminal mischief and interfering with police.

Familiar Phone Number Leads Detectives to Arrest Teen in Robbery

(Bridgeport, CT – March 20, 2014) – A teenaged robber had ordered pizza from his cell phone with a just-stolen credit card.

The larcenous act provided detectives with a key lead when one of the detectives remembered the same cell phone number in connection with another January robbery he investigated.

Now the same teen will face charges in connection with a second robbery.

On Jan. 13, a mugging victim came to police headquarters for an interview with Detectives Martin Heanue and Jorge Cintron about a street robbery that had happened on Jan. 2 on Beechwood Avenue. She was walking home and reached her door when she was grabbed from behind and had her purse stolen by two males.

In the interview, she also told police that her visa card was used to purchase food from a Stratford pizza restaurant about two hours after the mugging. She had used a GPS locator a day after the robbery that told her that her stolen iPhone was in the area of 154 Alex St.

When the detectives followed up and visited the pizza shop, an employee stated the food was delivered to 203 Alex St. and provided the phone number from which the order was placed.

Certain details jumped out.

“I remembered the phone number” from the earlier case, said Heanue. He also recalled that the robbery suspect in the other case was arrested at a friend’s house on Alex Street.

That robbery happened on Hollister Avenue on Jan. 5, three days after the purse snatching. Heanue and Cintron were assigned to that case as well.

In the Jan. 5 robbery, the teenaged victim, from West Hartford, stated that he had arranged to buy a pair of Air Jordan sneakers on a Facebook page called “Connecticut Sneaker Exchange.” The alleged seller used a profile name and the two corresponded to negotiate a selling price.

When he and his father came to the arranged location, they were robbed. Police were able to identify one of the suspects with his Facebook profile picture. The victim also provided the suspect’s cell phone number.

That detail proved to be key in the Jan. 2 robbery investigation.

As Heanue and Cintron began investigating the earlier robbery from Jan. 2, they realized that the cell phone used to order the pizza was the same one provided by the victim for the suspect in the Jan. 5 robbery.

They also noted that the pizza delivered to Alex Street was taken to a location in the same block as where the teen suspect had been arrested.

The detectives showed the purse-snatching victim a photo array that contained the suspect’s photo and she picked out the suspect.

The suspect has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 5. A judge signed a warrant charging the youth, who has since turned 18, with first-degree robbery, fifth-degree larceny, credit card theft and illegal use of a credit card. The warrant has not yet been served.