MIDDLEBURY - A grand jury has indicted Paul Perrotti, the chief of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, on three counts--one for 2011, 2012 and 2013--of theft from a program receiving federal funds. Each count carries a maximum 10-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.
In total, it is alleged that Perrotti embezzled more than $70,000 from the MVFD between 2011 and 2013, using the operating accounts to pay for unauthorized personal expenses associated with his business. He did this through checks paid directly to himself, his company and its employees, as well as vendors for related supplies. The indictment alleges some checks were also made out to third parties to reimburse them for outstanding personal loans that Perrotti had.
Perrotti, who was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport Thursday morning, pleaded not guilty to each charge. Judge Holly B. Fitzimmons set bail at $250,000 non-surety bond, which means he doesn't have to come up with any money today.
He is required to turn over any property owned by the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department or the town itself. His wife, Terry, is co-signing the bond this afternoon.
His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9, at which time there will be jury selection for his trial.
Perrotti may continue to work as a licensed electrical contractor for his electric company, Paul Perrotti Electric, which he opened in 2010, but he can have nothing whatsoever to do with anybody who is affiliated with the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department or any potential witnesses in this case.
In May, federal agents seized computers, documents and other items from a Middlebury fire station. The probe was financial in nature according to the chief at the time. Perrotti said at the time that the agents were looking for any information about payroll.
“I figured, by no means have I done anything wrong,” he said at the time in a telephone interview. “I gave them full transparency.”
Perrotti had been a fire chief at the MVFD since 1997
Related stories: