The first selectman in Guilford is expressed outrage Tuesday after learning two trusted town employees may have been stealing from citizens.
This entire investigation was sparked by one simple tip, but it lead town investigators to uncover years of alleged theft from the citizens. Police say the perpetrators were town employees, so now the town`s top manager is hoping this scandal doesn’t tarnish the reputation of others in Guilford.
“We have very good and dedicated people who work for the town and our citizens,” said Guilford First Selectman Joseph Mazza. “They put their trust in people and to have them be betrayed by these individuals…”
Guilford`s first selectman certainly unhappy after the details of this case unfolded. Two longtime trusted employees of Guilford and Madison now stand accused of stealing right out of the hands of residents. Frank Cole worked at the Guilford/Madison transfer station for 17 years. His employee Philip Hunt worked there for 15 years, but both were taken to jail last night.
The case unfolded after the first selectman received a tip that the two were pocketing cash from transactions at the transfer station. Police looked into the case and found enough evidence to arrest the two men and file criminal charges. Both had bonds set at $50,000 and town officials say they want to see justice.
“We’re not sweeping this under the rug,” Mazza said. “We are going to prosecute these two individuals to the full extent of the law. I’m not going to take this lightly.”
Investigators believe just these two men were involved in the ongoing theft. They have both been placed on administrative leave while the case is still pending.