Ex-convict candidate charged with campaign fraud

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Bridgeport state Sen. Ernest E. Newton II, who previously served five years in prison for bribery, has been arrested and charged with falsely obtaining thousands of dollars in public funds to finance his latest run for the Senate.

The Division of Criminal Justice said the 56-year-old Newton, who claimed his comeback campaign last year was about "redemption and an opportunity for our city," was arrested Friday on a warrant. He was charged with one count of first-degree larceny, five counts of illegal campaign practices and one count of tampering with a witness.

The arrest warrant accuses Newton of submitting false documentation to obtain $80,550 from the state's Citizens Election Program to support his unsuccessful run for the 23rd Senate District.

It was unclear whether Newton had obtained an attorney.