Friday, February 23, 2018

Former Head on Enfield Community Development Corporation Charged with Stealing Government Funds



John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza today announced that DARRIN LAMORE, 47, of Enfield, has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with stealing government funds from the Enfield Community Development Corporation.

On February 16, 2018, LAMORE appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis in New Haven and was released on a $25,000 bond.

As alleged in court documents, LAMORE was the executive director of the Enfield Community Development Corporation (“ECDC”), a non-profit corporation that oversees economic development projects in Enfield, primarily in the Thompsonville section of the town.  The ECDC is supported with federal funds administered by the State of Connecticut.  From June 2012 to October 2015, LAMORE conspired with an employee of the Town of Enfield to falsify invoices and divert funds intended for economic development in Enfield and apply them to LAMORE’s salary.  Through this scheme, LAMORE stole more than $95,000 from the ECDC.

The complaint charges LAMORE with theft from a program receiving federal funds, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force, notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Enfield Police Department.  The Task Force also includes members from the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan.

Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.

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