CMEEC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON CEO’S ACTIONS THURSDAY

Norwich — A special committee of the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative board of directors on Thursday will review the final report on its four-month investigation into the actions of cooperative CEO Drew Rankin that led to federal corruption charges filed against him and four other CMEEC officials.

The full CMEEC board established the committee Nov. 20 after placing indicted Rankin and Chief Financial Officer Edward Pryor on unpaid administrative leave following the Nov. 8 indictments. Pryor retired Jan. 1, but Rankin was still listed as CEO on CMEEC’s list of 2019 corporate officers. Rankin and Pryor face one count of conspiracy and three counts of theft from a program receiving federal funds in connection with CMEEC’s hosting of lavish trips to the Kentucky Derby for dozens of top staff, board members, families and public officials for four years from 2013 to 2016.

The special committee met behind closed doors for 2 1/2 hours Monday, most of that with two labor and employment specialist attorneys, Eileen Duggan and Kenneth Weinstock.

Committee Chairwoman Debra Goldstein said the committee will meet in executive session at 9 a.m. Thursday – prior to the 10 a.m. regular CMEEC board meeting – at the Norwich Holiday Inn to “review the final report” of its work. Goldstein did not say whether the committee expects to be ready to recommend final actions regarding Rankin’s actions and employment status at the regular meeting.

The board meeting agenda includes an executive session to receive attorney/client privileged information from the special committee followed by an open session item: “Possible vote on findings and recommendations of the Special Committee.”