Former Seymour Police Union President Accused Of Misappropriating Over $32K In Funds: Chief Of Police

SEYMOUR, CT — A Seymour police officer and former police union president is accused of misappropriating over $32,000 in union funds, according to the department.

In a news release posted to Facebook Tuesday, Chief of Police John Bucherati said Justin Quilty was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree larceny following a criminal investigation conducted by Connecticut State Police.

Quilty also previously served as president of the local police union, Bucherati said.

According to Bucherati, the charge is related to allegations of misappropriation of funds totaling $32,250.80 from the union's bank accounts for personal use.

Quilty, who joined the Seymour Police Department in August 2022, has been on administrative leave since the investigation began in October and remains on leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations, according to Bucherati.

Bucherati said an investigation began when officers discovered discrepancies in union bank account balances, "which, among other things, strongly indicated that Officer Quilty had misappropriated funds."

Officers brought their concerns to administration, after which Quilty was placed on leave and the state's attorney's office was notified, Bucherati said.

State police were then brought in to conduct a criminal investigation, according to Bucherati.

In addition to the state police investigation, Seymour police are "conducting a concurrent internal investigation to determine whether any departmental policies or ethical standards were violated," Bucherati said.

"We are committed to transparency and accountability," Bucherati said in a statement. "These allegations are serious, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the Connecticut State Police while ensuring due process is respected. It is important to note that the actions of one officer do not represent the values of the other sworn officers who serve the citizens of Seymour."

In a separate statement from Seymour Police Lodge #124 posted to Facebook Tuesday, Union President David Parratt said the Seymour Police Union is aware of Quilty's recent arrest and identified him as a former union president.

"As the victims in this case, the members of the union are deeply disappointed in his actions that led to this," Parratt said in the statement. "The union would like to emphasize that these allegations which led to his arrest do not reflect the integrity, professionalism or dedication of the men and women of the Seymour Police Department. Our officers remain committed to upholding the highest standards of public service and maintaining the trust of the community we proudly serve."

Parratt also noted that union officials "acted promptly and responsibly" by notifying the department's administration without delay after becoming aware of discrepancies involving union funds.

"This immediate action ensured that an independent investigation could be initiated, allowing for a thorough and impartial review of the matter," Parratt said. "Since the discrepancies were discovered, safeguards have been put into place to ensure that this could never occur again. The Seymour Police Union fully supports transparency and accountability. We will continue to cooperate with the judicial system as this process moves forward."