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West Haven businessman pleads guilty in role to stealing city's COVID-19 relief funds

A jury found John Trasacco, 50, guilty of conspiracy and fraud offenses for his role to steal more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds and other money.

HARTFORD, Conn. — A West Haven business owner was found guilty Friday for his role in the scheme to steal the city’s COVID-19 relief funds alongside a former state lawmaker.

A jury found John Trasacco, 50, guilty of conspiracy and fraud offenses for his role to steal more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds and other money from the city.

According to authorities, Trasacco was part of a conspiracy headed by former state Rep. Michael DiMassa to steal these funds through the submission of fraudulent invoices and subsequent payment for COVID-19 relief goods and services that were never provided.

The investigation revealed that DiMassa conspired with Trasacco to submit fraudulent invoices through two business entities controlled by Trasacco - L&H Company and JIL Sanitation Services — for goods and services the city never received, including thousands of units of PPE, HVAC maintenance at multiple municipal locations, COVID-related supplies for the city's Board of Education and cleaning services for various municipal and school buildings, including one school building that had been vacant for years.

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Trasacco’s companies received approximately $431,982 through this scheme.

The jury found Trasacco guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

A sentencing date is not scheduled.

On Nov. 1, DiMassa pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, admitting that he defrauded the City of West Haven of more than $1.2 million through this scheme and two other schemes. He awaits sentencing.

Two others – DiMassa’s wife Lauren Knox and his former business associate John Bernardo – were also charged in the case. Knox pleaded guilty in July, while Bernardo pleaded guilty in June.

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