Ellington First Selectman 'Disturbed' By Hessler Sex Charges

ELLINGTON, CT — Ellington's First selectman on Monday released a statement regarding last week's arrest of Simon Hessler, a local resident and ambulance corps member accused of running a "sex dungeon."

Hessler owns a hotel in Manchester and has an office for his hospitality company in Vernon. Last Tuesday he was arrested on prostitution- and trafficking-related charges in a case that spilled into the raid of the office, state police said.

Here is First Selectman Lori Spielman's statement:

Like everyone, I am greatly disturbed by the recent claims involving Simon Hessler. My
thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families.

Earlier this year, a concern regarding Mr. Hessler's conduct was brought to my
attention. Recognizing that the conduct could be criminal in nature and, in accordance
with standard procedures, I referred the complainant and the matter to the Ellington
Resident State Trooper’s Office.

I was later advised that the police had conducted an investigation, and based on the allegations made, the police had concluded that no crimes had been committed.

At that time, I believed the matter to be resolved, and I was unaware of additional complaints or investigations regarding Mr. Hessler until this past week when I was informed by Sergeant Santa that Mr. Hessler had been arrested.

As First Selectman of the Town, I also serve as chief of police, but that position does
not grant me access to information regarding pending and active confidential police
investigations. My knowledge of the additional investigations that led to the arrest of
Mr. Hessler came just prior to the time that information was made public.
I am grateful to the police for their work in this matter, and I am grateful that Mr. Hessler
will not have the opportunity to further victimize anyone, anywhere.

While I am confident that all Town policies and procedures were followed in connection
with this matter, it is always our goal to make sure we do everything possible to best
protect our residents. I will be working with the Board of Selectmen and the police to
review those policies and procedures to determine if any changes are needed to allow
us to better do our job.

Charges filed against Hessler after he was taken into custody in Manchester include attempted and conspiracy at trafficking in persons, attempted felony-patronizing a prostitute and attempted second-degree sexual assault, state police said. There are 14 charges in all.

State police said he is the owner of the Baymont Inn & Suites in Manchester.

The state police computer crimes unit and the Eastern District Major Crimes Squad were at 615 Talcottville Road in Vernon Wednesday, searching the building via a warrant in a "follow up investigation from the arrest," state police said.

The converted cape-style home appears to be an office for a hospitality business, but it also appeared to be closed Wednesday during the raid.

Hessler's initial bond was set at $250,000 and was upped at a Wednesday court appearance to $1 million, state police said.

State police said Hessler was attempting to exchange a preteen girl for money, but the girl was instead a trooper posing as a child.

The Vernon business contained whips, chains, handcuffs and a cage And served as a "sex dungeon" for Hessler, authorities said.

He's been suspended from ther corps, authorities said.

Photo Credit: CSP

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