New Haven Fire Dept. Lieutenant Accused Of Sexual Assault: PD, FD

NEW HAVEN, CT —Under investigation since December 2022, cops charged a New Haven fire department lieutenant with the rape of a 32-year-old woman, police said.

According to New Haven police spokesperson Capt. Rose Dell, police detective Samantha Romano obtained an arrest warrant for 33-year-old Keith Norfleet.

Dell said Romano, through a thorough examination of statements and other evidence, identified Norfleet as the suspect in the sexual assault case. He was charged with first-degree sexual assault.

Dell said that once the arrest warrant was obtained last week, Norfleet voluntarily surrendered himself to the police department Friday. He was released on a $150,000 bond at his arraignment Monday.

“In light of these charges, Lieutenant Norfleet has been placed on administrative leave by the New Haven Fire Department, pending the outcome of an internal investigation and these legal proceedings," New Haven Fire Chief John Alston said in a statement. "An internal departmental investigation has been opened and we will refer all findings to the New Haven Board of Fire Commissioners and other City of New Haven officials for appropriate action.”

The New Haven Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the
community, and cases involving sexual assault are treated with the utmost seriousness and
resolve in order to bring justice for the victims, Dell said.

The work of the New Haven Police Department, accompanied by the full support of Chief Alston and the New Haven Fire Department, underscore a collective commitment by both departments to ensure the safety of New Haven residents, Dell said.