Ex-Connecticut Budget Official Charged with Bribery and Extortion

A former high-ranking official in Connecticut's budget office has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of bribery and extortion, raising serious concerns about corruption within the state's public contracting processes. The official, who played a significant role in overseeing school construction grants and renewable energy projects, has pleaded not guilty to 22 criminal charges, including conspiracy and making false statements to federal investigators.

The individual, Konstantinos Diamantis, was taken into custody on Thursday morning and subsequently appeared in federal court in Hartford, where he was released on a $500,000 bail. Diamantis, a former state representative and lawyer, resigned from his position as deputy secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in October 2021, coinciding with the initiation of a misconduct investigation against him. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he expects to be cleared of the allegations.

Federal prosecutors allege that between 2018 and 2021, Diamantis solicited and accepted bribes from construction contractors in exchange for facilitating their contracts on state-funded school construction projects. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Corruption within a program that manages and funds [school construction] adds cost, seriously erodes trust in government, and raises questions about work quality and the potential harms to students and educators in the classroom.”

The investigation into Diamantis's activities has been extensive, with federal authorities issuing subpoenas for electronic communications related to various construction projects, including upgrades at state facilities and hazardous material abatement efforts. The oversight of school construction grants has shifted between state agencies over the years, reflecting ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency in public spending.

Diamantis's arrest follows the guilty pleas of three executives from two construction firms who admitted to conspiring to bribe him. This development underscores a troubling pattern of alleged corruption that has emerged within the state's contracting landscape, particularly in the context of large-scale public projects that are critical to community infrastructure.

The implications of this case extend beyond the individual charges against Diamantis. It raises broader questions about the integrity of public officials and the systems in place to prevent corruption. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's office has stated that the governor has a "zero tolerance" policy for malfeasance in government, and steps were taken to remove Diamantis from his position once allegations surfaced. In response to the ongoing investigation, Lamont ordered an independent review of the school construction grant program, which has since undergone several reforms.

Diamantis's legal troubles are compounded by previous controversies, including the hiring of his daughter for a state position that drew scrutiny for lacking competitive selection. This incident, along with the current allegations, has cast a shadow over his career and raised concerns about nepotism and ethical standards within state government.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption in public service and the importance of vigilance in maintaining the integrity of government operations. The outcome of Diamantis's trial could have significant ramifications for public trust in state institutions and the future of oversight in Connecticut's public contracting processes.