West Haven volunteer fire captain in sex-slave case found dead

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A West Haven volunteer fire captain placed on leave last week after being arrested for a sex abuse scandal was found dead Tuesday in Vermont.

Vermont State Police say Frank Meyer, 39, committed suicide in Newfane, VT.

Police in Brattleboro were notified of a possible suicide on the South Wardsboro Road in Newfane. Detectives from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop D and the local medical examiner were also contacted to respond, police said.

The investigation positively identified the decedent as Meyer of West Haven. An autopsy is scheduled at the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Burlington on March 6.

Meyer and Brett Bartolotta, 42, a former West Haven firefighter who lives in Cavendish, VT, were arrested last week, accused of forcing a child into being a sex slave for 12 years.

Police say the sexual assault began in approximately 2001 and the victim continued the relationship when he reached the age of consent.  The investigation also revealed the victim was paid money as well as given other gifts for his participation.

Meyers was placed on paid leave effective March 1.