Avon Man/Ex-WeHa Attorney Sentenced For Stealing From GOP PAC: State

AVON/WEST HARTFORD, CT — An Avon man and former attorney in West Hartford was sentenced to prison time for stealing from a Republican organization while serving as an officer with the organization.

According to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, Michael J. Cronin, 60, forged various documents and stole more than $267,000 from the GOP political action committee.

He was sentenced in Hartford Superior Court Tuesday to seven years behind bars but suspended after six months followed by three years of probation.

In June, Cronin pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree larceny and four counts of second-degree forgery.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Cronin was treasurer of the Senate Republican Leadership Committee, a political action committee, from 2007-2018 when irregularities were detected.

Subsequent investigation determined from 2012 to 2018, Cronin took approximately $267,800 from the committee for his personal use, state officials said.

Authorities said Cronin was terminated from his position as counsel for the Senate Republican Office at the Connecticut General Assembly following the discovery of the irregularities.

During the investigation, inspectors from the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney learned Cronin had forged the signature of his ex-wife on various refinancing documents and a deed relating to the marital home.

According to the state, they also learned Cronin forged the signature of a colleague on a financial affidavit Cronin filed with the court in connection with his divorce.

For the full announcement of the sentencing, click on this link.