By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN, Associated Press
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) _ A prosecutor says the former finance director of a small Connecticut town has pleaded guilty to larceny charges stemming from the theft of more than $2 million.
Litchfield State’s Attorney David Shepack said Henry Centrella Jr. pleaded guilty Friday to five counts of first-degree larceny in Litchfield Superior Court.
Shepack says Centrella stole about $2.1 million over several years from the town of Winchester.
Winchester officials say the theft had a serious impact on the town’s finances, contributing to the need for a special tax on residents.
A message left for Centrella’s attorney Friday was not immediately returned.
A plea deal recommends an 11-year prison sentence for Centrella when he is sentenced in April.
Authorities say Centrella had significant gambling losses and was sending money to a mistress in Florida.
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