Tesei 'Disheartened' By Police Captain's Actions: UPDATE

GREENWICH, CT — A Greenwich Police captain accused of putting up fake political signs in town has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to the department. Police officials said the department's administration was informed Monday afternoon by "an external source" that Captain Mark Kordick may have been involved in the placement of the signs, which began popping up around town last week.

"During a subsequent meeting, Captain Kordick confirmed a level of personal involvement in this activity," police said in a statement.

Kordick was subsequently placed on paid administrative leave, effective Monday afternoon, as the department conducts a full review to determine if any departmental rules, regulations or policies have been violated, police said.

"Police administration will reserve passing judgement until all the facts are reviewed, and Captain Kordick will be afforded all the due process rights [to] which he is entitled," police said.

First Selectman Peter Tesei expressed disappointment regarding Kordick's actions in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

"As Police Commissioner, I am disheartened by the admitted behavior of Captain Mark Kordick," Tesei said. "It is questionable actions such as this that besmirch the otherwise outstanding reputation of the Greenwich Police Department. One would expect better."

According to the Greenwich Time, Kordick admitted he purchased the signs, which encouraged residents to "Vote Republican. Vote Team Trump/Camillo" and to "Make Greenwich Great Again," linking the Republican candidate to Trump.

Kordick, a Democrat, told the Greenwich Time he did not coordinate with anyone involved in the election or the campaigns of either Camillo or Democratic candidate Jill Oberlander. He also said the signs were intended to provoke thought about candidate political positions in relation to Trump's administration.