Remember Lawrence M. Hurley, Jr. of Shelton, CT, the former state prosecutor who was nabbed for using funds from criminal defendants for his personal use? He’s agreeed to a $2,000 civil fine for violating the Code of Ethics.
Here’s some of the release from the Office of State Ethics.
“According to the consent order finalized on March 1, 2010 with the Office of State Ethics (OSE), Hurley was employed until February 2007 as a Supervisory Assistant to State’s Attorney in the State’s Attorney’s Office at the Superior Court in Milford.
In that position, he had access to funds paid by criminal defendants, pursuant to court order, that were intended to provide restitution to victims of crimes, or to be used as charitable donations. Hurley used his access to these funds to divert money meant for crime victims and charities for his own personal use.
Connecticut law prohibits a state employee from using his public office or position to obtain financial gain for himself.
In addition to the $2,000 civil penalty, Hurley may neither hold nor seek state employment for two years. Further, he may not enter into or seek any state contract for services for a two-year period.”
“The Code of Ethics seeks to prevent public officials from using their positions for personal, financial gain,” said OSE Executive Director, Carol Carson. “State employees must have an acute awareness that public office is for the public’s benefit, not their personal benefit.”
