Lawmaker arrested

State Rep. Michael DiMassa was arrested Oct. 20 on a federal criminal complaint charging him with one count of wire fraud in connection with what authorities say was a scheme to steal federal funds intended for COVID-related expenses.

DiMassa allegedly claimed on invoices he submitted to the city that a company he formed that received $636,000 in federal money was involved in lobbying activities.

Federal authorities allege a total of $636,783.70 was paid by the city of West Haven to the Compass Investment Group, a business for which DiMassa is a principal.

Federal authorities further allege Compass Investment Group never provided any services to the West Haven Public Health Department, though the city was billed for services.

Five days after being arrested, DiMassa submitted his resignation from his lawmaking position to the Secretary of State’s Office.

— Brian Zahn and Mark Zaretsky

Julia Bergman / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Gov. Ned Lamont signs a bill on June 22 making recreational marijuana legal for adults in Connecticut begining July 1.