Embezzlement alleged

NEW HARTFORD — New Hartford Selectman Bruce Gresczyk has been named interim highway superintendent while state police continue to investigate allegations that a public official may have stolen money and misappropriated property belonging to the town.

Dan LeGeyt was suspended from his position as the town’s highway superintendent on Jan. 6, the same day the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad opened its investigation into the larceny charges.

LeGeyt has served in the post for six years.

Both state police and town officials have declined to publicly comment on the case or confirm that LeGeyt is the individual being investigated.

Trooper First Class Karen O’Connor, a spokesperson for the state police, told The Journal Monday the investigation is in the “very beginning stages,� and that at this time, there is “no time frame for its conclusion.�

“An investigation goes where it takes us,� O’Connor said.

Gresczyk — who was unanimously approved to temporarily serve in the position at Tuesday night’s selectmen’s meeting — will recieve $30 an hour with no benefits during his time as the interim superintendent.

He will also have access to a town vehicle, as well as a gas card. The paid position is retroactive beginning Jan. 7.

Although Gresczyk first assumed the responsibilities of superintendent Jan. 6 through an emergency appointment by First Selectman Dan Jerram, the selectmen agreed Tuesday that he had served that first day on a volunteer basis.

Gresczyk served as Winsted’s interim town manager in 2008, prior to former town manager Keith Robbins being named to the post. He also served as New Hartford’s first selectman from 1991 to 1998, and as the commissioner for the state Department of Agriculture from 2003 to 2005.

Selectmen Thomas Klebart suggested that Gresczyk’s interim appointment only continue through to the board’s next regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 26, at which time the selectmen would extend it if necessary.

“We go from meeting to meeting and see where the investigation sits, and go from there,� Klebart said.

Both Jerram and Gresczyk agreed.

New Hartford’s Highway Department is made up of a crew of eight, as well as the superintendent.

The department is responsible for drainage installation and repair, roadside mowing, park maintenance, pot hole patching, street sweeping, vehicle maintenance, road resurfacing and tree removal.

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