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Ex-Connecticut official flees to Greece before sentencing for corruption
His lawyer said he was in Greece as prosecutors sought a bench warrant and a new sentencing date after 21 convictions.
- On Thursday, former Connecticut budget official Konstantinos Kosta Diamantis fled to Greece, missing his scheduled federal sentencing in Bridgeport after defense attorney Norman Pattis informed the court that Diamantis called him Wednesday night from Greece and would not attend.
- Convicted last year by federal jury, Diamantis faced potential sentencing of 10 to 12 years in prison for extorting bribes from contractors while director of Connecticut's Office of School Construction Grants and Review, steering more than $8 million in contracts from 2018 to 2021.
- Prosecutors disclosed that Diamantis drove to Florida three weeks ago, hired a boat to Nassau in the Bahamas, and flew to London before reaching Greece; in a 10-page email, Diamantis claimed Gov. Ned Lamont weaponized the Department of Justice against him.
- U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill issued a bench warrant and rescheduled sentencing for September 30, setting it to proceed with or without Diamantis present, while Connecticut officials condemned his disappearance as a shameful betrayal of public trust.
- Diamantis holds dual American and Greek citizenship; Greek courts have upheld that extradition of Greek nationals is forbidden, making his return to face sentencing unclear, while a second corruption trial awaits on Medicaid fraud charges.
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Ex-Connecticut official flees to Greece before sentencing for corruption – WTOP News
A former senior budget official for Connecticut’s Democratic governor is now a fugitive in Greece after fleeing the U.S. by boat and plane ahead of his sentencing for corruption, his lawyer and prosecutors told a federal judge on Thursday. Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, 70, also sent his attorney a 10-page email accusing Gov. Ned Lamont of...
·Chevy Chase, United States
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Associated Press News+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
Ex-Connecticut official flees to Greece before sentencing for corruption
A former Connecticut state budget official convicted of corruption fled the U.S. by boat and plane before his sentencing and is now a fugitive in Greece.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Left
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
53% Left
L 53%
C 37%
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