Former New London inn owner faces fraud trial

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A former owner of New London's historic Lighthouse Inn is facing a trial in federal court on charges she helped defraud $1.7 million from investors in a resort project in Mississippi.

Maureen Clark of Stonington and her former business partner, Cristopher Plummer of Lyme, were accused of using much of that money to pay expenses for the Connecticut inn.

The Lighthouse Inn, originally a steel baron's waterfront home, dates to 1906, but closed in 2008 because of financial problems.

Plummer has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing.

The Day of New London reports Clark's attorney, Hubert Santos, has been granted permission to represent her as a public defender.

Clark has said she spent investor money only on the plans for the resort in Lakeshore, Miss.

___

Information from: The Day