East Haven Zoning Official Charged With Extortion

(Editor’s Note: This story was first published earlier but here it is again in case you missed it.)

East Haven Zoning Enforcement Officer Frank Biancur Jr., 40, of West Haven, was arrested this week on a federal criminal complaint charging him with seeking and receiving illegal payments while employed as a Zoning Enforcement Officer for the Town of East Haven, the U.S Attorney’s office said.

According to the criminal complaint and to statements made in court, Biancur has been employed as the Town of East Haven’s Planning and Zoning Administrator/Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Earlier this month, a resident of East Haven contacted the East Haven Police Department and the FBI with information that he/she had been extorted by Biancur since approximately October 2012 and, as a result, had made cash payments to Biancur.

The complaint alleges that, most recently, on May 19, Biancur called the victim and informed the victim that Biancur had to inspect an addition to the victim’s residence, the federal government states.

Although Biancur stated that he was “fighting” for the victim, he also demanded a payment of $200 or he would make the victim tear down the addition, the federal officials allege.

On May 21, 2015, the victim engaged in a consensually-recorded meeting with Biancur at Biancur’s office in East Haven Town Hall. During the meeting, the victim gave Biancur $200 in cash, which Biancur put in his pocket, federal officials allege.

The complaint charges Biancur with one count of theft of honest services mail fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Biancur was arrested this morning at his residence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven and was released on a $20,000 bond.

Prior to his employment by the Town of East Haven, Biancur was employed by the City of West Haven and the City of Bridgeport.

Citizens with information that may be helpful to this ongoing investigation are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr. released an updated statement at 4:30 p.m. where he says he won’t tolerate political corruption.

Regarding the arrest of East Haven Zoning Enforcement Officer Frank Biancur, Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. released the following updated statement:

“As I indicated earlier, I am saddened by the charges that were unsealed today regarding East Haven’s Zoning Enforcement Officer Frank Biancur. I want to assure residents that while this is certainly discouraging, we will take all appropriate steps to ensure that this development will in no way disrupt the Zoning Department or that department’s daily business.

As to the inquiries today about Mr. Biancur’s present employment status, I can only comment that insofar as this involves Town business it is a personnel matter and will be addressed accordingly by Frank Gentilesco, Jr., the Town’s Assistant Director of Administration and Management.

With respect to this investigation, these allegations were brought to my attention just last week when I received a call at home from a Town employee about the matter. Immediately after fielding the call, I moved swiftly to alert our Police Chief and Federal authorities so that the allegations could be investigated. Since that time, we have cooperated and continue to cooperate in the government’s investigation.

Finally, I want to emphasize that the charges unsealed today are simply allegations and Mr. Biancur is entitled to the presumption of innocence guaranteed to him under the laws of this country. However, I also want to make it clear that this administration will not tolerate public corruption of any kind and will pursue all appropriate measures to investigate and prevent it now and in the future,” Maturo said in a prepared statement,” Maturo said.

According to town officials, Biancur has a right to due process according to criminal law; as a government employee he also has a right to due process in the form of a Loudermill hearing, which has not yet been scheduled, but is likely to be held in mid June.

Officials must coordinate with Biancur’s union before they can change his job status.

He currently is on pre-approved vacation time until June 4, officials said Thursday evening.

Officials plan to update his status again soon.