New Report Raises More Questions About Erin Stewart's Mayoral Tenure

NEW BRITAIN, CT — A new report states that former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart initially wanted a $205,000 separation payout for unused vacation, personal, holiday, and sick time dating back to 2013, according to WFSB 3 TV.

Stewart did receive $93,000 and an additional $28,970, but the report claims that she was only eligible to receive a maximum of $14,275, as cited by WFSB 3 TV.

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According to the report prepared by the Crumbie Law Group, LLC on behalf of the city of New Britain, it states that when Stewart was asked to explain her numbers, "Ms. Stewart angrily responded that she 'worked 24/7 for 12 years'; she then asked, 'Don’t you think I’m due this?' In essence, Ms. Stewart’s reasoning for the shocking amount she demanded was based on the claim that over her 12-year term as mayor, she did not take a single day off for vacation, illness, or any other reason."

The report notes that "In response, (a town official) reminded Ms. Stewart that she had taken two separate maternity leaves for the birth of her children and medical leave to have surgery, and that there was other documented leave time taken by Ms. Stewart."

>>Read the full 91-page report here.

Stewart announced in May that she was immediately suspending her campaign for governor.

The announcement came amid scrutiny about Stewart’s city-issued credit card use while she served as mayor of New Britain.

State police in May confirmed a formal investigation is underway.

At the time, Stewart said she takes the allegations against her very seriously, and she is suspending her campaign so she can focus on addressing those claims.

The Connecticut State Police confirmed an investigation into Stewart’s city-issued credit card use.

In a previous 74-page report from Crumbie Law Group LLC, released in May, it concluded, "According to the law firm’s report, Stewart used her card to fund routine living expenses “that bore no legitimate connection to official city business.”

It gives examples such as household items, groceries, makeup and other women’s toiletries, women’s clothing and undergarments, alcohol, jewelry, and gifts for herself, her children, and her husband.

On Wednesday, Attorney General William Tong and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli announced an investigation into Stewart’s handling of charitable assets for the benefit of the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.

"As part of the investigation, the state has become aware of two relevant accounts, the fund managed by the Foundation, and a checking account also named Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund held at M&T Bank and is not managed by the Foundation," Tong said in a statement. "Three requests for information were sent, including: a subpoena to Stewart, a letter of inquiry to the Foundation, and a subpoena to M&T Bank."

“It is our job to ensure charitable organizations adhere to all rules and regulations, and it is our priority to give donors confidence that when they give to charity, their contributions are used as intended,” said Tong and DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli in a statement. “This inquiry will follow the facts wherever they lead, without regard to politics or personalities.”

Here is the full statement from New Britain Mayor Bobby Sanchez on the latest developments:

“Today’s report is deeply disturbing. What began as a routine review of City operations has uncovered yet another pattern of conduct that represents a serious abuse of public trust and a disregard for the rules that exist to protect taxpayers.

"The findings outlined in this report go far beyond a single incident. They describe allegations involving taxpayer-funded tuition reimbursements, improper separation payouts, and efforts to secure pension benefits outside the requirements established by law and the City Charter.

"Perhaps most troubling is the growing evidence that these actions may not have occurred in isolation. The questions now extend beyond what happened, to who knew about it, who approved it, and who helped make it possible. As Mayor, I am frustrated, bewildered, and saddened by what continues to be uncovered.

"The people of New Britain deserve a government that operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for taxpayer dollars. Instead, each new report reveals conduct that appears increasingly inconsistent with those basic principles. Our administration remains committed to following the facts wherever they lead.

"These findings will be referred to the appropriate authorities, and the City’s independent investigation will continue so that residents receive a complete accounting of what occurred. Accountability is not optional.

"The taxpayers of New Britain deserve answers, they deserve restitution where appropriate, and they deserve confidence that no individual, regardless of position or title, is above the law. While these findings are disappointing, they also reinforce why this administration launched these independent reviews on day one. We made a promise to the public that we would follow the facts, ensure transparency, and restore trust in City Hall. That work will continue until every question is answered.”