Baruzzi Larceny Case Extendes Into July

MANSFIELD, CT. — The first-degree larceny case against former Superintendent of Schools Frederick Baruzzi and his alleged doctored mileage reimbursement vouchers has dragged into July.

Baruzzi and his Hamden-based lawyer, John Gesmonde, are scheduled for a July 22 appearance in Rockville Superior Court, according to judicial system records.

It is officially in the pre-trial phase, court records indicate.

Baruzzi has entered a not guilty plea in the case and is free from custody on a $10,000 bond, according to judicial system records.

The former voucher system employed by the town came under fire and led to Baruzzi’s arrest on Nov. 13, 2014 after he was investigated for alleged abuse of the system. Baruzzi has repaid more than $60,000 in both disputed mileage claims and the cost of the independent audit to look into them, according to town records.

Baruzzi, 65, resigned the following January amid the probe. He had a base salary of $151,573 at the time.

A major focus of the audit was on inconsistencies for one consistent destination — the Institute of Technology in New Britain, a route the measures 38.73 miles, according to a state police search warrant.

Trips to Hartford have also come under scrutiny, according to town and police records.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel