Top cop under investigation in Montville

MONTVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) -- A man who is supposed to uphold the law, a Lieutenant in Montville, is now under investigation himself. He's accused of misusing a system which allows him to look into people's background information.

The investigation targets Montville's top cop. Someone News 8 spoke to before about the need for a new police station.

"We have to use the old town hall, the new town hall," said Lt. Leonard Bunnell.

That was October 2010 when Lt. Bunnell gave News 8 a tour of the Montville police station. Voters would later approve building a brand new one.

Now, the top ranking cop in town, is the focus of an investigation. The mayor tells News 8 State Police are looking into Bunnell's use of the COLLECT system, which State Police say gives law enforcement access to background information.

There are 38 instances in question.

"The town of Montville is kind of screwed up," said Howard James, "so it's no surprise to me."

"First of all, I'm not really surprised because they have access to it," said Donna Rivera, "so it's just tempting to be able to do it."

Bunnell remains on the job, but cannot use the COLLECT system. If he needs any information now he must have another officer access it for him.

"It's like normal now. You hear it and you're like yup, ya know," said Rivera.

Still Rivera doesn't think she can do much about it.

"When they stop you they act like they're all good and probably the day later or earlier they were speeding and let go for something," Rivera said.

Howard Thomas remembers Lt. Bunnell as being hard-nosed and fair.

"It's an abuse of power, but it's not like he killed anybody," Thomas said. "I don't know if they want to put him in jail or not, but I think he ought to get a slap on the wrist at any rate."

When News 8 called the police station Lt. Bunnell did take the call, but he said he could not comment because of the ongoing investigation.