Firefighter faces year sentence in bad check case

By John Nickerson
Advocate Staff Writer
Posted: 11/22/2008 02:39:45 AM EST

NORWALK - City firefighter Andre Williams, who did not pay $12,500 in restitution for several bounced checks, faces one year in prison if he does not come up with the money before his January sentencing on larceny charges.

Williams, 46, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-degree larceny before Judge Burton Kaplan at state Superior Court in Norwalk Friday.

If he makes complete restitution before his Jan. 21 sentencing, the plea agreement calls for Williams to be receive a suspended three-year prison sentence and three years probation, Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Robert Hall said.

Without paying back the money, he faces a year in prison, a four-year suspended sentence and three years probation, Hall said.

Even if the 22-year veteran firefighter comes up with the money, the felony conviction could be grounds for dismissal because it appears to violate a job reinstatement agreement Williams signed in 2006.

In June, Williams was set to have six bad check charges and single counts of first-degree larceny and second-degree larceny expunged from his record after participating in a program for first-time offenders. But Williams, who city records show was paid $92,332 in salary, benefits and overtime last year, had the criminal charges reinstated because he did not make complete restitution in the case, Hall said.

Deputy Corporation Council M. Jeffry Spahr said he is trying to arrange a meeting with Mayor Richard Moccia and Fire Chief Denis McCarthy to determine the appropriate course of action.

"He has clearly violated the terms of his reinstatement agreement. One of the matters we would be discussing is what his future employment status would be," Spahr said.

Williams was granted accelerated rehabilitation in 2006. He was given two years to pay back $12,500 and perform 200 hours of community service.

Accelerated rehabilitation is a special form of probation designed for first-time offenders facing less serious charges. If completed successfully, the charges against Williams would have been dismissed Friday.

Walking out of Friday's hearing, Williams said he did not pay back the money because of a "family situation," before declining further comment.

Williams said the money will be paid before his sentencing.

Williams, who joined the fire department in 1986, was fired in 2005 after he refused to accept a settlement package and resign as a result of the bounced check and larceny charges.

In December 2006, fire commissioners voted to reinstate Williams. He got his job back provided he stuck to a reinstatement contract containing numerous requirements, including counseling.

- Staff Writer John Nickerson can be reached at john.nickerson@scni.com or 750-5307.