Greg Stanton, former budget official of Connecticut, fled to Greece before his sentencing due to a corruption conviction. His lawyer and prosecutors told a federal judge on Thursday that he left the United States by boat and plane and is now living in Greece as a fugitive.
Details of the Escape
Stanton, 70, accused Democratic Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, of abusing the judicial system in a 10-page email and denied any wrongdoing. He also stated that his life, reputation, and family relationships have been destroyed due to legal prosecution. He could have faced over 10 years in prison in federal court in Bridgeport.
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Extradition Status
Officials and Stanton's lawyer, Norman Patis, did not disclose when he left the United States. Federal prosecutors claimed he traveled by boat from Florida to the Bahamas and then flew to London. Despite having surrendered his American passport, he managed to obtain a Greek passport. Patis stated that Stanton told him in a phone call that he is in Greece and will not appear at the sentencing hearing.
Connecticut Officials' Reaction
U.S. District Judge Stephen Underhill set a new sentencing date for September 30, regardless of whether Stanton is present. Connecticut officials quickly condemned Stanton's escape and took steps to stop his state pension payments.
The governor stated in a statement, "Stanton has betrayed the public trust and must be held accountable for his actions." He added, "His repeated attempts to evade justice are shameful. I hope he is captured and brought to justice soon."
State Attorney General William Tong also stated in a statement, "His absence today is a shameful insult to every person in Connecticut and will not stop our efforts to protect the interests of the state and taxpayers."
Officials Investigate Corruption Charges
Prosecutors asked the judge to sentence Stanton to 10 to 12 years in prison, while his lawyer requested a sentence without prison time but with strict conditions for release in court documents. Patis told reporters he was shocked by Stanton's escape.
Stanton is also currently facing another criminal case in federal court, where he is accused of taking bribes to stop a state audit from an eye doctor.
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Source: abcnews.com
