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Internal Affairs Documents Outline Disciplinary Charges Against HPD Officer

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There are new details on internal discipline a Hartford police officer is facing after he started a sexual relationship with a teenage girl he arrested in April.

Officer Joven Gonzalez was suspended without pay from the Hartford Police Department after he was charged with using his service weapon to beat a man he found the girl with while off duty in September.

The new information came from internal affairs reports obtained by NBC Connecticut Investigates, which focus on a pair of prior incidents connected to the girl.

Those incidents involve what happened at a church parking lot just across the Hartford line, in Bloomfield, in July, where Gonzalez allegedly got in a fight with a teenage girl he admits he had a sexual relationship with months earlier.

While nothing has been proven about the fight, HPD internal investigators said Gonzalez was with the girl “…for over an hour, in the town of Bloomfield, instead of assisting in calls for service.”

In addition, during this investigation, it was learned Gonzalez allowed the girl to use “…his personal vehicle to meet him, knowing she does not possess a valid (drivers) license.”

Gonzalez told investigators he cut off the relationship shortly after learning the girl’s age, saying she told him she was older.

According to the internal affairs documents this angered the 17-year-old, who then “…attempted to run over his wife,” but Gonzalez did not report the this off duty incident to HPD immediately, something the department requires.

HPD internal investigators also learned during the course of their inquiry that Gonzalez admitted going to after-hours clubs in Hartford, even though he “…has firsthand knowledge of the criminal activity associated with these clubs…”, and he admitted to dropping off and picking up the teenage girl he had the relationship with “…at these establishments, knowing she is underage with complete disregard for her safety.”

Gonzalez has been on the force in Hartford a little more than two years.

Police sources said he may face another internal affairs investigation, connected with code of conduct violations after he was taken off patrol in August.

NBC Connecticut Investigates reached out to the HPD, Officer Gonzalez, and the police union for comment, and have not heard back.



Photo Credit: Hartford Police

CCSU Releases Report Detailing Possible Sexual Misconduct

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Officials at Connecticut State University are releasing their investigation into a professor over sexual misconduct allegations surrounding allegedly inappropriate sexual comments.

In newly released redacted documents, a student accused a math professor of “unwelcome romantic and sexual advances.”

She claims the professor would kiss her on the forehead and publicly hug her often.

In one instance, the student claims she wore color-changing nail polish and he put her hand in his mouth to see the color charge.

All of the allegations are said to have happened between winter 2017 and spring of 2018.

The professor denied engaging in misconduct.

According to the dates of the documents, an internal investigation was launched in the summer of 2018, where they interviewed other processors and staff.

In the end, the university’s investigation that more likely than not, the professor in question did violate its sexual misconduct policies because of inappropriate sexual comments, saying “the investigators found (the student) to be more credible.”

The professor has appealed the determination and remains employed by CCS as the university’s actions to discipline and dismiss him continue through the arbitration process.

The professor is not facing any criminal charges.

NBC Connecticut reached out to CCSU for comment, but officials said they have nothing to add.

In an email released to CCSU faculty, staff and students, president Zulma Toro said that she has a zero tolerance policy on sexual misconduct and bullying.

NBC Connecticut has reached out to the professor and is waiting to hear back.

6 New Reports of Vaping Linked Illness in Connecticut

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Six more Connecticut residents have reported vaping related lung injuries, public health officials said Friday.

The new reports bring the total number of Connecticut cases to 31, and one person has died. Five of the patients are under the age of 18, DPH said.

“I am very concerned that we continue to see new cases of vaping-related lung injury and this outbreak of illnesses and deaths appears to be far from over,” said DPH Commissioner Renée D. Coleman-Mitchell. “I am asking Connecticut residents to not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Tuesday 1,299 vaping-related illnesses have been reported nationwide, and there have been 26 deaths in 21 states, including the case from Connecticut. The CDC has said that products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.

Symptoms of a vaping-related injury include shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include headache, weight loss and chest pain.

For more information about the investigation, visit the CDC’s website. 

Lawyer for Fotis Dulos Says Jennifer Dulos May Still Be Alive

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Attorney Norm Pattis said his client, Fotis Dulos, has obtained compelling evidence that Jennifer Dulos may still be alive: a medical bill dated after she disappeared.

The new revelation was part of a four-page motion filed in Stamford Superior Court Friday. In it, Pattis revealed that Fotis obtained one of Jennifer Dulos’ medical bills for “reproductive” services.

“If Ms. Dulos herself did, as the bill suggests, receive medical services on July 7, 2019, she is obviously alive, if not necessarily well,” Pattis wrote in Friday’s filing.

Attorney Jim Bergenn, who is not affiliated with the case, points out the service may not have taken place after Jennifer disappeared on May 24.

“You could date when you send out a report as a service. So, that doesn’t necessarily mean that she got her service on that date,” said Bergenn, a trial attorney and Partner at Shipman & Goodwin law firm.

In previous court documents, prosecutors have said Jennifer is the victim of a serious assault and no longer believe she is alive. Pattis has purported that Jennifer may have faked her own death.

The estranged couple was locked in a bitter divorce and custody battle before Jennifer’s disappearance in May.

“The defendant seeks the medical records to evaluate whether Ms. Dulos alarmed by her diagnosis, took steps to cause her own disappearance in such a way as to raise suspicions about Mr. Dulos,” Pattis wrote.

Bergenn said a judge normally would not agree to make medical records part of a court case.

“Absolutely not. No judge is going to give private records of one estranged spouse to another. But here, someone is being charged publicly although not charged criminally, with being a killer and he does have due process rights and a right to counsel. And so, he has to be able to defend himself,” Bergenn explained.

In a civil case, Jennifer’s mother, Gloria Farber, is seeking to get back the millions of dollars she alleges her late husband lent to Fotis for his business and the mortgage of his home.

This week a judge ruled that her attorney will not be allowed to subpoena Pattis to provide the source of Fotis’ attorneys’ fees.

Bergenn said ethical standards prohibit that type of information from being shared without a client’s permission.

“Anything that’s relating at all to his representation is just off grounds,” said Bergenn.

Farber’s attorney, Richard Weinstein, also filed a new motion to depose Fotis’ girlfriend, Michelle Troconis again, to find out what role she had in Fotis’ company, the Fore Group. While the details of her 90 minute deposition last month are have not been made public, Bergenn said a second deposition often means the person claimed the fifth, but that does not indicate guilt.

“Most lawyers will advise clients liberally to claim the fifth because you can’t always predict how an answer might someday be used,” said Bergenn.

Troconis’ attorney has filed an objection to the motion to compel her to testify again and asked the court to seal her deposition.

Both she and Dulos have pled not guilty to evidence tampering and hindering prosecution.

Simsbury Celebrates National Coming Out Day With Art Installation

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The Town of Simsbury is celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community in a special way with a new rainbow art installation on the East Coast Greenway near the Simsbury Performing Arts Center.

The rainbow trail replaces the temporary rainbow crosswalk that was installed at the entrance of the center.

The celebration comes on the day that many people around the world celebrate “National Coming Out Day.”

In June, the Board of Selectmen issued a proclamation in support of LGBTQ+ pride month and unanimously supported the installation of the temporary rainbow crosswalk.

Following the installation, the town received numerous inquiries as to whether the rainbow crosswalk could be made permanent.

In August, the Board unanimously endorsed the concept of a permanent installation. The town solicited public input on the design and several submissions were received. The final design reflects a blend of multiple submissions.

Diversity and inclusion are the goals of the project and many people from the community have come out to help support one another.

Taylor Vandal said Simsbury’s new art display is a perfect example of the town making an effort to welcome everyone.

“We’re seeing outright support of inclusivity,” said Vandal. “It’s amazing that a town is making a big statement to welcome everyone and to let people know that they are valued and appreciated.”

Vandal and her wife, Aliya, recently moved to Connecticut from Minnesota and are proud residents.

“I think it is a great way as a town to show that you are open and inclusive,” said Aliya Vandal. “It’s a great example of a town standing up for people who need it.”

The art project had some opposition, according to the town’s first selectman.

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There were some residents not in favor of the original crosswalk and they raised safety concerns, saying the rainbow coloring could be considered a distraction.

Town leaders decided to get rid of the crosswalk, hence, the new artwork on the Greenway trail.

Lisa McGrath is a resident and the director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Westminster School in Simsbury. McGrath said that she’s excited about the effort and looks forward to others seeing the display.

“I’m looking forward to going on walks with my baby here and my spouse,” said McGrath. “We need to as a community finds ways to let members of the LGBTQ+ community know that they are not guests but are key members to our town.”



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Police Make Arrest in Deadly Hartford Shooting

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A Hartford man is charged in a deadly shooting in the city in April.

Hartford police arrested 34-year-old Osafa Williams Friday. He is accused of shooting 28-year-old Derrick Nichols near the intersection of Pavilion and Wooster streets on April 14.

Nichols was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, according to police.

Williams was charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of a pistol without a permit. He was held in lieu of a $750,000 bond.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Cheshire Public Schools Warn of Donation Scam

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Cheshire school officials are warning the public that someone posing as a representative of the district targeting local businesses for donations.

Several people thought this was actually legit and came close to giving donations.

School officials circulated an email throughout the town of Cheshire with details asking the public to not take the bait.

"People are calling...spoofing their caller ID to appear as if they're coming from one of our local Cheshire schools and soliciting people for false advertising basically," said Jeff Solan, Cheshire school superintendent.

Solan said this situation hits too close to home.

"They're saying that if you give over $300 your name will appear on Cheshire uniforms or on t-shirts, sponsor the school," said Solan.

Solan told NBC Connecticut the school system was alerted by a local state official who received complaints from Cheshire businesses.

In some instances, Cheshire High School was displayed in the caller ID.

"Unfortunately, they're taking advantage of people's good nature and desire to help our community," added Solan.

"You can't trust people over the phone," said Alex Auger, employee at Bagelicious.

Alex Auger is an employee at Bagelicious in Cheshire and told us it's a problem that happens all too often. He said the business owner was recently targeted by someone solicited money over the phone, in this case pretending to be from the power company.

"She was pretty close to going to get money to pay them off. They always threaten to turn your power off. I just think you have to be very careful," said Alex Auger.

That was the sentiment from people in the community – when people call asking for money - be skeptical.

"Now, you have to always double check to make sure who I am giving to and what organization it that," said Steve Matthew.

"It doesn't surprise me in today's world," said Elizabeth Rock. "It's awful...you know…especially in a climate where they're threatening to cut school programs and everything and to take advantage like that."

"We'll never call and ask you for a credit card number over the phone, ever. So you know if you hear that, pay attention," said Solan.

School leaders advise the public that if you want to support the district and its athletic programs to do so through the Cheshire Education Foundation, the Athletic Department, and any of the school's main offices.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Crash Involving Police Car Closes New Britain Intersection


Water Main Break Shuts Down Part Of Silas Deane Highway

In Case You Missed It Weekend Digest: October 12

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To help keep you informed on the most shared and talked about stories, each Saturday and Sunday we'll revisit five stories from the previous week, including the most recent updates.

Dog Mauling

A Plymouth woman is recovering after she was mauled by her own mastiffs. The dogs were loose after the attack and the neighborhood warned to shelter-in-place until police could contain the animals. Read the full story here.

Allegations Against Matt Lauer

An upcoming book from journalist Ronan Farrow includes allegations that former “Today” host Matt Lauer raped an NBC colleague while at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Lauer has denied the allegations and said their encounter was extramarital, but consensual. See more about the allegations and Lauer's response here.

Battle Over Impeachment Inquiry Continues

In vowing to halt all cooperation with House Democrats' impeachment inquiry, the White House on Tuesday labeled the investigation "illegitimate" based on its own reading of the Constitution's vague language. The U.S. Constitution gives the House "the sole power of impeachment," but doesn't lay out specifics on what that means, and courts have been historically hesitant to step in as referee for congressional oversight and impeachment. Learn more here.

More Concerns About PFAS Chemicals in Our Water

State environmental officials are monitoring Rainbow Brook, Watts Pond and Farmington River for firefighting foam after the B-17 crash at Bradley Airport on Wednesday. That foam is known to contain PFAS - a grouping of chemicals that have been linked to health risks ranging from developmental issues in fetuses and infants to certain forms of cancer. Get more on that foam and the warning from public health officials here.

Deadly Wrong Way Crash

Three people were killed when a 17-year-old driver went the wrong way down I-95 North in North Stonington Wednesday night. The crash closed the highway for hours. The full details are here.



Photo Credit: Family Photo/Getty Images/NBC Connecticut
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Saturday Features Temperatures in the 60s, Mostly Cloudy Skies

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Sub-tropical storm Melissa is moving away from the region and will allow our weather to gradually improve.

Temperatures on Saturday start in the 50s and will move into the middle and upper 60s. Partial clearing is expected and the winds will diminish.

Despite mostly cloudy skies, First Alert Meteorologist Bob Maxon expects there to be breaks of sunshine on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday night will feature partly cloudy skies.

Tomorrow will start in the upper 40s and lower 50s before moving up into the upper 60s and possibly close to 70.

You can get the latest forecast anytime here.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

28 Recruits Graduate From Hartford Police Academy

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It was a night when recruits became officers as Connecticut’s newest police officers were sworn in on Friday.

Twenty eight new recruits from five different police departments graduated from the Hartford police academy.

“It’s surreal but we did it. We made it,” said Hartford Police recruit Abriana Diana, who is now officially an officer.

This class is among the most diverse, according to interim Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody. He says this class is 50 percent female and 75 percent from an ethnic background.

“Why is diversity important?” he said during his address to the candidates. “Because everything turns out better when people are more comfortable and common ground creates more comfort.”

Hartford’s program is a satellite operation for the Connecticut Police Academy, providing a high level standard training process for several surrounding towns.

“We want to provide at least that basic level of structure to all of our recruits even recruits going to other departments,” said Hartford Police Officer Tyrell Jenkins.

Training lasts nearly seven months, challenging recruits intellectually and physically.

“Toward the end, it got exciting,” said Connor Wyllie, who will work for the Enfield Police Department. “We came together as a family. And we got through it together.”

Next, recruits will go through 13 weeks of field training with the departments they were hired by. This followed by a career serving and protecting the communities of Connecticut.

West Hartford Officer Andrew Freitas graduated at the top of this class and is looking forward to the future.

“I just expect it to be a learning experience for the next 25 years and I just hope I can stay safe and just continue to learn and be successful.”

Trump Announces 'Review' of Green Beret Murder Case

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President Donald Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to come to the defense of an army officer charged with murder and said the man's case was now under review at the White House, NBC News reported.

Maj. Mathew L. Golsteyn, a decorated Green Beret, is charged with committing premeditated murder of an Afghan man he suspected of being a Taliban bomb maker on Feb. 22, 2010, while deployed near Forward Operating base McQuery in Marjah, Afghanistan.

A conviction of premeditated murder carries a maximum penalty of death.

Golsteyn disclosed the shooting during a CIA polygraph test. He was applying for a job at the spy agency and admitted to killing the man, who he claimed was a suspected Taliban bomb maker, military officials said when the officer was charged.

"Mathew is a highly decorated Green Beret who is being tried for killing a Taliban bombmaker," Trump tweeted. "We train our boys to be killing machines, then prosecute them when they kill!"



Photo Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

18-Year-Old Injured in New Haven Shooting

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An 18-year-old is injured after a shooting in New Haven on Friday night.

Officers were called to the intersection of Read and Shepard streets around 6 p.m. after getting a report of a person shot.

When police arrived, they said they found an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound.

The man was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition with a non-life threatening injury.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact New Haven Police Department Investigative Services Division at (203) 946-6304.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

2 Injured in Shooting at Pelham, NH Church

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Two people were injured and a suspect was in custody Saturday after a gunman opened fire at a church in Pelham, New Hampshire, authorities said.

Authorities said the shooting occurred during a wedding at New England Pentecostal Church sometime after 10:12 a.m. Guests at the wedding tackled and subdued the shooter by the time authorities arrived, police said. 

One victim in the incident was transported to Lowell General Hospital and then transferred to a Boston hospital, officials at the hospital confirmed

There was no immediate word on the condition of the victims. 

Gov. Chris Sununu released the following statement: 

"State officials are on scene assisting local first responders in the response and investigation of a shooting in Pelham, New Hampshire. While this remains a very active scene, the State of New Hampshire will provide all necessary resources to support the community and our local partners."

A man named Geraldo Pagan told reporters he came to the church for an event to honor the life of fatal shooting victim Luis Garcia, a beloved priest whose body was found at his Londonderry home earlier this month.

Brandon Castiglione, 24, was taken into custody on Oct. 2 after being accused of fatally shooting Garcia in the head.

In a tweet, Sen. Maggie Hassan said she was "deeply disturbed" by the incident. 

"Today was supposed to serve as a celebration of the life of Minister Luis Garcia. This senseless violence can’t continue — my prayers are with the victims of this terrible attack," she said. 

The Boston office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the Manchester, New Hampshire field office was responding to the scene.

Authorities said Route 38 near St. Margaret's Drive Roadway was closed due to police activity. Bridge St was closed between Wellesley Drive and Old Gage Hill Road.

This article will be updated as more information is made available.


More Than 10,000 People Participate in 26th Annual Hartford Marathon

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On Saturday morning, tens of thousands of runners were off to the races participating in the 26th annual Hartford Marathon.

Their journey began early with some taking part in the main marathon while others ran the half marathon, 5k charity run and the marathon relay pass.

During the 26th edition of the Eversource Hartford Marathon, more than 10,000 runners racked up an estimated 336 million steps, a slog that required 9,400 gallons of water to slake the participants' collective thirst.

This year’s course ran through downtown Hartford, then moved into East Hartford and South Windsor before circling back to the capital city.

Saturday morning marked Jill Knowlton’s first ever marathon race, which made for a pretty special moment when she crossed the finish line.

“It’s really good and it’s such a great accomplishment,” said Knowlton. “I cried when I crossed the finish line and it’s definitely a great example of self-empowerment to know that you can push yourself.”

Knowlton said her motivation during the race was the thought of helping local charities.

“It’s nice to give back to the community and what not,” said Knowlton. “It’s always a good gesture to give back and know that you’re helping someone else.”

For the 6th year in a row, Eversource has helped sponsor the event. The goal is to raise millions of dollars and generate money for the local economy.

Jim Judge is the CEO of Eversource and said the goal is to bring the community together to help the city.

“This is an event that raises an awfully lot of money for the community,” said Judge. “We bring about 14 million dollars of economic uplifting to the Greater Hartford area and local charities.”

After crossing the finish line, runners were honored with medallions paying homage to their hard work and providing extra motivation to come back next year.

Katheryn Martin lives in New Jersey and made her way to Connecticut to partake in this year’s event.

“I loved it and the support is amazing from those on the sidelines,” said Martin. “After participating in my first race, it’s propelled me to want to do a half-marathon next and challenge myself.”

Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit organization whose mission is to encourage individuals and families to adopt and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The organization promotes fitness to all ages and all abilities through community running events, school based programs and community collaborations.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation also brought back the 2nd annual Pedal to the Medal to Hartford during the early, early hours on Saturday with an entirely new bike route along the CT Fastrak bus lanes.

The ride began at 3:00 a.m. and ended at 5:00 a.m.

It started and finished at the Eversource Hartford Marathon iconic finish line under the Memorial Arch at Bushnell Park and traveled on the CT Fastrak from Hartford to New Britain and then back to Hartford.

The ride totaled 18.8 miles of no cars, just lighted bikes and costumed riders.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Mattis Warns ISIS Could Resurge: 'Enemy Gets the Vote' After Trump's Announced Troop Pullout

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Former Defense Secretary James Mattis, who led the Pentagon through the first two years of the Trump administration, warned during an exclusive interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that the president's decision to pull troops from Syria's border in advance of a Turkish incursion could have dire consequences and lead to ISIS's resurgence, NBC News reports.

"We have got to keep the pressure on ISIS so they don't recover," Mattis said in response to "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd's asking whether the United States would regret Trump's decision.

"We may want a war over; we may even declare it over. You can pull your troops out as President Obama learned the hard way out of Iraq, but the 'enemy gets the vote', we say in the military. And in this case, if we don't keep the pressure on, then ISIS will resurge. It's absolutely a given that they will come back."

Trump announced the decision to move U.S. forces from the region of northern Syria bordering Turkey on Sunday, stating that Turkey wanted to begin an operation in the region to resettle Syrian refugees.



Photo Credit: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Laser-Scanning Tech Uncovers Huge Network of Ancient Mayan Farms

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Deep within a rainforest in Belize, scientists using lasers beamed from an airplane to peer beneath the dense foliage have discovered evidence of a vast network of ancient Maya farms that date back thousands of years, NBC News reports.

The findings, part of more than 20 years of research in this part of Central America, show how the ancient Maya civilization, which reached its peak at around 250 A.D. to 900 A.D., adapted their farming practices in the face of environmental challenges.

The farms were used to grow maize, beans, squash and avocados, most likely after a series of droughts starting 1,800 years ago forced Maya farmers to expand agriculture from the region’s dry slopes into the forest’s low-lying wetlands, said Tim Beach, a University of Texas geoarchaeologist and the lead author of a paper about the finding published Oct. 7 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

“The lines of evidence suggest the wetland fields were starting as early as 2,000 years ago, and really exploding around 1,200 years ago,” Beach said. “If the uplands are dry, we speculated that this would be a natural place to expand into for a resilient culture.”



Photo Credit: DANIEL SLIM/AFP/Getty Images

Lutsenko Is Unnamed Ukrainian Who Led Plot to Oust Yovanovitch, Says Official

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The unnamed Ukrainian official referenced in a federal indictment as directing a plot to oust the then-U.S. ambassador is Ukraine's former chief prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko, according to a U.S. official familiar with the events. 

According to the source, Lutsenko is the Ukrainian official who prosecutors say urged two associates of Rudy Giuliani to push for the removal of Marie Yovanovitch, the former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who was forced out in May, NBC News reports

The associates, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, were arrested Wednesday night as they prepared to board a one-way flight out of the country at Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C. The indictment says the efforts by Parnas and Fruman to remove then-Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, a respected diplomat with deep knowledge of Ukraine, were "conducted, at least in part, at the request of one or more Ukrainian government officials."

Federal prosecutors didn't detail in the indictment or at a press conference why the unnamed Ukrainian official or officials allegedly urged Parnas and Fruman to scheme to push out Yovanovitch.

 

But two former U.S. officials said Lutsenko had sharp disagreements with Yovanovitch over his handling of corruption cases, and was also seeking to curry favor with the Trump administration.



Photo Credit: STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Angels Deny Knowledge of Organization's Reported Involvement in Skaggs' Drug Use

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The Los Angeles Angels' director of communications told federal investigators that he provided oxycodone to Tyler Skaggs and abused the drug with the pitcher, according to an ESPN report published Saturday.

Director of Communications Eric Kay also gave the Drug Enforcement Administration names of five other players who he believed were also using opiates while on the Angels, the report stated.

Skaggs, 27, was found dead in a Texas hotel room on July 1, with the medical examiner labeling the death an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office said that Skaggs had the powerful painkillers fentanyl and oxycodone in his system along with alcohol.  

The team released a statement in response to the report, with Angels President John Carpino saying, "We have never heard that any employee was providing illegal narcotics to any player, or that any player was seeking illegal narcotics."

Carpino added, "The Angels maintain a strict, zero tolerance police regarding the illicit use of drugs for both players and staff. Every one of our players must also abide by the MLB Join Drug Agreement. We continue to mourn the loss of Tyler and fully cooperate with the authorities as they continue their investigation."

ESPN's report stated that Kay, who has been with the Angels for 24 years, told investigators that he illegally obtained six oxycodone pills and gave three to Skaggs a day or two before the team left California for the road trip to Texas, but the Angels' employee reportedly told DEA agents that he did not believe the pills he obtained for Skaggs were the ones that the pitcher took the day he died because the pitcher would allegedly ingest pills immediately after receiving them.

The report also states that Skaggs texted Kay the day the team left for Texas, requesting more oxycodone and Kay reportedly told investigators he was unable to fulfill that request.

Kay reportedly told investigators that he informed Tim Mead, the Angels' former vice president of communications and Kay's supervisor, about Skaggs' drug use as early as 2017.

Mead left the Angels in June to become the president of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.



Photo Credit: John Sleezer/Kansas Ciy Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
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