Facing close scrutiny

NEW HAVEN — Police Lt. William "Billy" White, who is free on $2 million bail after being arrested Tuesday on federal theft charges, has filed paperwork to retire, but Mayor John DeStefano Jr. promises a thorough investigation of White’s pension entitlements. "Given the egregious nature of the federal charges pending against this individual, we owe it to taxpayers to scrutinize all issues related to retirement before acting," DeStefano said. "This is a person charged with serious violations of the public trust, who operated with a significant amount of autonomy, including authorizing his own overtime."

In addition to White, Sgt. Jim Kelly, the second-in-command of the Narcotics Enforcement Unit and a 27-year veteran, also submitted retirement papers Thursday, effective immediately.

He has not been accused of wrongdoing, but the FBI contacted him in relation to the case.

A Police Department internal affairs probe has been launched, although police have not publicly defined the scope.

White, 63, a 39-year veteran of the force and head of the narcotics unit, is accused of stealing money from homes of suspected drug dealers during raids and nearly $30,000 in cash planted by the FBI at investigation scenes, as well as taking bribes from a family of bail bondsmen in exchange for capturing suspects who skipped bail.

Detective Justen Kasperzyk, 34, also was arrested in the sting for allegedly stealing less than $1,000 of money planted by the FBI. He also is accused of taking $800 from the girlfriend of a suspect arrested by narcotics officers.

Both officers are on paid administrative leave, which made some members of the city’s Board of Aldermen bristle during a briefing this week with police Chief Francisco Ortiz Jr. and mayoral Deputy Chief of Staff Robert Smuts.

Dwight/West River Alderman Yusuf Shah, D-23, asked whether White or Kasperzyk would return to the station, and if so, where they would be assigned. "Why are they on paid administrative leave?" Shah said, wondering why they could not be on leave without pay.

"It’s based on the contract and labor relations (guidelines)," Ortiz said. "It pains me."

The police contract doesn’t have a so-called "bad boy" clause, which would disqualify officers from receiving pension benefits in such a case.

Ortiz made it clear White and Kasperzyk no longer have department-issued handguns or arrest powers.

Smuts said White and Kasperzyk both are fully vested; White is eligible for retiree medical benefits because he put in more than 20 years of service. Under current contract provisions, White would receive 83 percent of his pay if he buys back 30 sick days.

Exact figures were not available by press time. Base salary for lieutenants this fiscal year is $71,726; White regularly earned overtime.

White filed applications with the Police and Fire Pension Board for an age annuity retirement and to retire under a service-related disability. No information was released on the nature of the disability he claims.

Kasperzyk had not filed retirement papers by Thursday, but has accumulated enough sick days to buy back and combine them with his 12 years of service to reach 15 years overall. He would not qualify for medical benefits.

DeStefano said allegations that White performed work for bondsmen on city time would factor into calculations and the ultimate pension payout if proven true.

Should the city move to terminate White, he would not be eligible for medical coverage or benefits such as paid vacations, holidays, sick days or earned leave.

Meanwhile, the three city-based bail bondsmen — Robert Jacobs, 79, and his sons, Paul, 48, and Philip, 47 — are charged with bribery conspiracy.

Angela Carter can be reached at 789-5614 or acarter@nhregister.com .