Overview
- After roughly a day and a half of deliberations, a federal jury in Bridgeport on Oct. 22 found Diamantis guilty of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and making false statements.
- Prosecutors presented texts, emails and a voicemail in which he pressed for money, including a $40,000 demand tied to a school project bid.
- Witnesses testified they handed over envelopes of cash at locations such as a Dunkin’ Donuts, the Capital Grille in Hartford and Diamantis’ home, often using coded terms like “pints” and “birthday cards.”
- Diamantis testified that the payments were lawful consulting or legal fees, but the jury foreperson said his explanation lacked supporting evidence and his testimony hurt his credibility.
- Diamantis remains free on bond pending a Jan. 14, 2026 sentencing, his lawyer says he faces about 10 to 12 years and plans to appeal, and a separate federal corruption case against him is still pending.