Ex-Mansfield School Superintendent Admits Stealing From Taxpayers

The former superintendent of schools in Mansfield pleaded guilty Friday to stealing thousands of dollars from taxpayers by receiving fraudulent mileage reimbursements.

Frederick Baruzzi, 66, was arrested a little over a year ago after a state police investigation turned up thousands of dollars in reimbursement he was not entitled to. He pleaded guilty Friday to a single count of first-degree larceny and faces a maximum of two years in prison. Baruzzi's lawyer will be able to argue for a lesser sentence or no jail.

The long-time Mansfield resident pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine, which means he disagrees with some of the state's allegations, but concedes that it has enough evidence to win a conviction if the case were to go to trial. The guilty plea was the result of a deal negotiated by Tolland State's Attorney Matthew C. Gedansky and Baruzzi's defense attorney, John Gesmonde of Hamden.

Gesmonde said he expects several people will want to attest to Baruzzi's good character at his sentencing on March 28. Baruzzi and Gesmonde declined to comment as they left the courtroom after the hearing.

Read more: http://www.courant.com/breaking-news/hc-mansfield-superintendent-pleads-guilty-0107-20170106-story.html