By Donna Porstner
Staff Writer
December 9, 2006
STAMFORD - State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is investigating financial mismanagement and possible embezzlement within the Glenbrook Fire Department.
"There have been some very serious allegations of misabuse - and even misappropriation of funds - in the nonprofit organization that's responsible for the finances of the Glenbrook Fire Department," he said.
Blumenthal was contacted by finance board member Joseph Tarzia last month after an audit commissioned by the city's Office of Policy and Management found that the volunteer fire department's former treasurer, David Judge of Bridgeport, paid himself $12,600 to which he was not entitled, and bought merchandise on the fire house's dime that he shipped to his home and business.
It is unclear whether the purchases, such as a Palm Pilot and $427 in accounting and payroll manuals, were related to firehouse business because the auditors could not find invoices and other records.
The auditors found Judge was able to spend as he saw fit because he had a signature stamp that allowed him to sign checks for fire department President Edward Rondano.
Blumenthal, whose office regulates the activities of nonprofit organizations, said the Glenbrook situation appears to be one of the most serious cases his office has come across involving a volunteer fire department.
Tarzia also sent a copy of the audit to Chief State's Attorney Kevin Kane.
Kane spokesman Mark Dupuis would not say whether Kane's office is looking into the matter.
"We do not comment on matters that may or may not be under investigation," he said.
OPM began reviewing the fire department's financial controls after officials in city hall received an anonymous tip last winter from someone who said checks were bouncing and questioned some of the purchases made. OPM Director Peter Privitera said the review quickly snowballed into a forensic audit when officials learned there was a systemwide lack of controls.
The city has given the fire department's board of trustees until Friday to respond to the audit.
Copyright © 2006, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.