FBI visits East Haven police department, chief's office

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNHAP) - East Haven officials say three FBI agents, including a computer technician, have visited the Police Department and gained access to the ousted police chief's locked office.

Mayor April Capone put Police Chief Leonard Gallo on paid administrative leave last year following a preliminary report from the U.S. Department of Justice investigating allegations of profiling and mistreatment of Latino residents by some East Haven police officers.

The FBI has been investigating the department for two years.

Agents spent two hours focusing on the Police Chief's computer which has been under lock and key since Leonard Gallo was taken off the job.

News 8 asked, "What were they looking for?"

To which Deputy Director of Town Affairs Paul Hongo responded, "Yeah, they're not going to share that with you."

It was well known that the Department of Justice was investigating the accusation, but no one knows when or if anyone, or how many officers could actually be charged.

"They did intimate to us this is an ongoing investigation," said Hongo.

All of this comes as during a transition of power at town hall. Republican Joseph Maturo takes over as Mayor on Monday.

The FBI paid him a visit, but Maturo won't say what they told him, only saying whatever happens public safety will be maintained.

"I want the taxpayers of East Haven to be assured that their elected officials make sure the town is protected and the people in the town are protected," said Maturo.

A federal grand jury in Bridgeport also is looking into the allegations that are being investigated by the FBI.

The East Haven Board of Police Commissioners scheduled a meeting tonight in the town's senior center.

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Information from: New Haven Register