Probationary Police Officer Charged With Felony

By Andrew Gorosko

A Newtown police officer, who began work as a patrolman almost one year ago, faces the prospect of potential dismissal, in view of his arrest on a felony charge for allegedly cashing in a stolen $5,000 gambling chip at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville.

On October 31, the state police’s casino unit charged Michael Riccio, 26, who is a Newtown resident, on a warrant issued by Norwich Superior Court, listing one count of conspiracy to commit third degree larceny.

According to a state police statement, on October 20 Officer Riccio allegedly cashed in a $5,000 gambling chip at the Mohegan Sun’s Earth Casino. The chip allegedly was stolen the previous day.

Officer Riccio, who was hired by Newtown police late last November, and took his oath of office early last December, is still serving his one-year probationary period as a police officer. Because he has not completed a full year of police service, he is not protected by the job-security provisions of the Newtown Police Union’s collective bargaining agreement with the town. Consequently, he could be terminated by the Police Commission for any violation of the police department’s rules and regulations.

Following their hiring, Officer Riccio and two other patrol officers completed the 20-week Connecticut Municipal Police Academy training course. In early May, they began local on-the-road training with training officers. They later started to patrol independently. 

Officer Riccio declined comment on November 5.

In a written statement, Police Chief Michael Kehoe, who currently is on vacation, said, “Probationary Police Officer Riccio has been placed on modified administrative civilian duty at police headquarters pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation being conducted at this agency.”

Police have temporarily suspended Officer Riccio’s police powers, requiring him to surrender his sidearm and badge.

In connection with the Riccio case, state police also charged Soju Johnson, 23, of Willimantic with third degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third degree larceny. State police arrested him on a warrant November 1.

State police allege that Mr Johnson, who is a former Mohegan Sun employee, stole the $5,000 gambling chip on October 19.

The investigation into the chip’s theft resulted in the warrant against Mr Johnson, plus the recovery of the $5,000 in cash, state police said.

Both Officer Riccio and Mr Johnson posted $5,000 nonsurety bonds and are scheduled to be arraigned on their respective charges on November 13 in Norwich Superior Court.

Police Captain Joe Rios said November 5, “There is an internal review [of the incident]…We don’t want to rush to judgment, and we want to do a thorough review, in fairness to the employee, and as far as the agency is concerned.” The local department’s internal affairs investigation is separate from the criminal investigation by the state police, according to Capt Rios.

“The facts are going to have to lead us to our conclusion,” he said.

“It’s going to take its course. We are certainly going to review all the relevant facts and information. We will handle it in the appropriate manner,” Capt Rios said.

Police Commission Chairman James Reilly said the results of Chief Kehoe’s internal investigation, which would be based on the state police’s criminal investigation, will be presented to the Police Commission.

Of Officer Riccio’s employment as a patrolman, Mr Reilly said, “He’s a probationary employee, so he’s an employee ‘at-will.’” If any disciplinary action is to be taken against Mr Riccio, it would be taken before his probationary period expires, according to Mr Reilly.

Mr Reilly said he expects the Police Commission will meet before the end of the month to address the matter. That meeting would occur after the internal investigation is done, he said.

“I have a very strong opinion that we have a good police department here,” Mr Reilly said. “Mr Riccio’s circumstances should not reflect on other members of the police department.”