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5mo ago

Bethany Leader Resigns Following Scathing Report on Mishandling of Abuse Allegations

First Selectwoman Paula Cofrancesco announces resignation effective June 6 after public outcry over failures to act on child abuse allegations against a town employee.

Signs calling for Bethany First Selectwoman Paula Cofrancesco to resign over an alleged child molester have begun springing up in town. (Courtesy of Naomi Rosenstein)
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Overview

  • Paula Cofrancesco, Bethany’s First Selectwoman, announced her resignation during a town meeting, effective June 6, 2025.
  • Her decision follows a detailed independent report that criticized her handling of child abuse allegations against Anthony Mastrangelo, a town employee.
  • The report revealed Cofrancesco's failure to terminate Mastrangelo, inform the public, or implement policy changes despite knowing of the allegations since December 2022.
  • Mastrangelo, who worked in town-run youth programs, was arrested in 2024 and charged with sexually assaulting five girls; another alleged incident occurred during the 18-month delay in action.
  • Bethany residents, lacking local mechanisms for removal due to the absence of a town charter, are exploring state-level options to address broader accountability concerns.