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Former Fairfield town officials plead guilty in environmental crimes

Former Director of Public Works Joseph Michelangelo faces up to ten years' incarceration at sentencing.
Credit: FOX61

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Fairfield's former Director of Public Works Joseph Michelangelo pleaded guilty Monday in Bridgeport Superior Court to nine felony environmental and fraud offenses, according to Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin. 

RELATED: Two Fairfield town employees among those arrested in an alleged illegal dumping scheme

Michelangelo entered pleas to receiving solid waste at an unpermitted facility, illegal disposal of asbestos, illegal disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and conspiracy to commit the crimes of first-degree larceny, second-degree forgery, and various environmental offenses.

Michelangelo faces up to ten years of incarceration. If convicted on all counts after a trial, Michelangelo would have been exposed to more than 20 years in prison. 

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The plea agreement also requires Michelangelo to make restitution payments to the Town of Fairfield for the harm caused.

Michelangelo admitted that he and other town officials participated in activities that included a conspiracy between themselves and a contractor they hired to operate part of the DPW property. The site and other locations became a dumping ground for unauthorized, contaminated, and hazardous materials.

RELATED: Suspect in Newington shooting had a score to settle: Police report

Michelangelo is scheduled for sentencing in Bridgeport Superior Court on February 3, 2023. Charges against six other defendants are pending.

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