First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Newtown resident Monte Frank are expressing dismay over news that Kyle Lyddy, former Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission chairman and the chairman of the Oz Griebel/Monte Frank gubernatorial campaign, was arrested Tuesday, September 11.

Norwalk police say Lyddy, 31, who now resides in Danbury, was charged after a month-long investigation with misappropriating $500,000 from Match Marketing Group, the company where he formerly worked.

Chris Cooper, a spokesman for the Griebel campaign, said Lyddy resigned on Monday, September 10.

Mr Frank, who is running for Lt Governor on the Griebel ticket tweeted the following message Tuesday after learning about the arrest: "I am devastated about the news concerning Kyle Lyddy. I’m as shocked as everyone else who knows him. The campaign immediately transitioned his responsibilities to Chris Cooper & Chris DuPont & we are confident that they will guide us forward & sustain our momentum for the people."

Mr Rosenthal issued the following statement shortly after learning of the arrest: "I have known Kyle Lyddy and his family for most of my life and the news of his arrest comes as a complete shock. Kyle has volunteered extensively and admirably for our community for many years and while these charges are serious, he deserves his day in court."

The first selectman said, "at no time did Kyle have access to town funds and there are no complaints from donors alleging malfeasance. Should a complaint arise we stand ready to investigate promptly and fully."

Besides his volunteer work with the memorial commission, Mr Lyddy ran an unsuccessful campaign for the 106th District state house seat in 2016.

Associated Press content was used in this report.