Pane Lawyer Is Former Town Attorney Cofrancesco

EAST HAVEN, CT - After a Freedom of Information request to town officials, Patch has obtained Louis Pane’s letter saying he retired, a day after being placed on administrative leave as the town’s longtime recreation director.

Wednesday, Pane was called into a "confidential" personnel meeting at Town Hall, sources confirmed for Patch. Hours after that meeting, the agenda of which is unclear, Pane was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Thursday morning, Baldwin said that Pane's "attorney personally appeared at the Town Hall to file a retirement letter on Mr. Pane’s behalf stating that he has elected to retire, effective immediately."

Baldwin did not elaborate but said that Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., on behalf of Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, he placed Pane on paid administrative leave.

“The Mayor has accepted Mr. Pane’s retirement," Baldwin said. "On behalf of the Mayor’s administration, I thank him for his service to the Town."

Pane’s lawyer, identified as former Town Attorney Patricia Cofrancesco, hand-delivered a letter from Pane saying he had “executed all documents” required to retire from his job.

Cofrancesco also hand-delivered a letter to the mayor noting she was hired by Pane and expects to be contacted about retrieving Pane’s personal belongings from his now-former office.

Town Attorney Michael Luzzi, who was the address on the FOI request told Patch that, “While I normally handle all initial FOI inquiries on behalf of the town of East Haven as town attorney, this request is an exception. Your request is related to Louis Pane. Mr Pane and his family are friends, and long time clients of mine so I have recused myself from all aspects of this matter. I am referring this request to Mr. David Ryan, Ryan & Ryan. Attorney Ryan is an assistant town attorney for labor for our town. He is copied on this email and he will evaluate your request.”

Ryan, who declined comment on the specifics of investigation or why Pane was placed on leave, did confirm that the “investigation is still underway” adding that Pane’s town-issued computer was “collected and removed to secure location with a ranking police officer present.”

And when asked if Pane, an AFSME union member, had a union rep involved, Ryan said he did not.

Ryan said he’ll be working with Baldwin on the investigation.