Two Police Resign Posts Amid Criminal Probe

By Andrew Gorosko

Police this week disclosed the letters of resignation through which two town police officers, who are under investigation for possible criminal wrongdoing, have resigned their posts.

The Police Commission on February 2 accepted the resignations of Sergeant Domenic Costello, 33, and Patrol Officer Andrew Stinson, 34.

The criminal probe into the two men’s activities is being conducted by Danbury police on behalf of Newtown police.

That probe comes in connection with a “significant” but unspecified amount of money that was discovered to be missing from the Newtown Police Union’s financial accounts. Stinson and Costello formerly served as the police union’s president and treasurer, respectively.

In his January 25 letter of resignation, Stinson expresses “great sadness and regret” at his resigning his post effective February 2.

Stinson expresses sadness that his law enforcement work has come to an end, adding that he wishes there was some way he could remain a police officer, but realizes that it is not possible.

In his succinct January 18 resignation letter, Costello states that his resignation is effective on January 21.

In their letters, neither man states why he is resigning.

Both men had been on paid administrative leave from the police department since mid-October.

Police Chief Michael Kehoe said that neither man had reached the stage of pension vesting, so they will not receive pensions from the town. They will, however, receive the funds that they have contributed toward their pensions, the police chief said.

Both Stinson and Costello have had prominent roles at the police department.

Stinson joined the police department in July 2001. As the police department’s dog handler, he often demonstrated German shepherd Baro’s skills to various community groups. The policeman received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Connecticut State University in 1998.

Costello became a town police officer in October 2003. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in May 2009. A former school resource officer, Costello conducted the police department’s Citizen Police Academy program. He holds a law degree.

Both men have obtained legal representation.