Erin Stewart, accused of fraud as mayor, suspends campaign for governor
CT Mirror • • nation
Key Points:
- Erin Stewart suspended her campaign for governor after an investigative report found she repeatedly misused a city credit card for personal, family, and political expenses, totaling $207,076 over nearly a decade.
- The report, commissioned by her successor Mayor Bobby Sanchez, recommends a criminal investigation and potential legal action, citing possible violations of fraud, embezzlement, and misuse of government property laws.
- Stewart endorsed her rival Ryan Fazio for the Republican nomination and pledged to make restitution while stepping back from public life to address the issues raised.
- The investigation revealed Stewart used the city card for personal purchases including Amazon and Costco orders, private club memberships, campaign-related expenses, and family celebrations, indicating a pattern of deliberate misuse rather than isolated mistakes.
- The report also highlighted Stewart's attempt to claim an invalid partial retirement pension benefit and followed a prior investigation that led to the firing of a city tax collector for misconduct.