STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DESTEFANO ON PLEAS OF SILVA AND KASPERKYZ

(10/5/2007) NEW HAVEN- Today’s announcement of Justen Kasperzyk and Jose Silva pleading guilty to charges stemming from an FBI investigation is disappointing and frustrating because they do not stand for our City or our police force. The former and the current detectives and former lieutenant William White, are people with deplorable values whose actions we will not condone.

The actions of White, Kasperzyck and Silva are not representative of the more than 400 men and women on our police force who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our residents. Instead, the lives of the officers whose lives were cut short in the line of duty last year speak volumes to the quality of work, dedication and character of the New Haven Department of Police Service.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel and we’re looking forward to putting this behind us and moving forward. We hope today’s proceedings signal the near-end of this long and tenuous process. We’re interested in moving beyond this situation and refocusing the attention and trust of our community and the 414 devoted men and women who proudly wear a New Haven Police badge every day.

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660