Former Connecticut lawmaker gets 27 months in prison for stealing coronavirus aid

By DAVE COLLINS
Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A former Connecticut state representative has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for stealing more than $1.2 million from the city of West Haven. Michael DiMassa used a chunk of the money to fuel his gambling addiction. He apologized Wednesday in federal court in Hartford. He faced a possible prison sentence nearly twice as long. The West Haven Democrat also must pay back nearly $866,000. Several codefendants also got prison time and have been ordered to pay restitution for the rest. Prosecutors said DiMassa conspired with his wife and others to bill the city for services never rendered. Most of the pilfered money was federal coronavirus-related aid.