Former Connecticut state official Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis was arrested and charged with extortion, bribery, conspiracy, and false statement charges for allegedly accepting bribes from private contractors in exchange for help securing contracts for state-funded school construction projects. Diamantis appeared in court in Hartford and pleaded not guilty before being released on bail. Federal authorities allege that Diamantis demanded and received thousands of dollars in bribes from contractors from 2018 to 2021.
Three executives from private contracting companies have pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Diamantis. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery emphasized the significance of corruption within programs that manage and fund school construction projects, as it adds costs, erodes trust in government, and raises concerns about work quality and potential harm to students and educators. Diamantis and his lawyer declined to comment on the allegations, with Diamantis maintaining his innocence.
Federal investigators highlighted electronic messages showing Diamantis pressuring contractors to provide him with money after helping them secure state contracts. Diamantis allegedly received payments and a job for his daughter in exchange for contracts for a school project. Multiple contractors involved in the bribery scheme have pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges. Diamantis is also accused of making false statements to FBI investigators, adding to the list of charges against him.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s office issued a statement asserting zero tolerance for malfeasance and corruption in government. Lamont took steps to remove Diamantis from his government positions when allegations of ethical improprieties surfaced in 2021. An independent review of the school construction grant program was conducted, resulting in several reforms being implemented. The state received a federal grand jury subpoena in March 2022 for electronic communications related to school construction projects overseen by Diamantis dating back to 2018.
The allegations against Diamantis involve construction projects at various schools in Connecticut, including Weaver High School and Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Birch Grove Primary School in Tolland, and projects in New Britain. Oversight of school construction grants has moved between state agencies over the years, with the Department of Administrative Services currently handling the program. Diamantis, a former state representative, has since retired and is receiving a state pension of $72,514 per year. The investigation into the bribery scheme continues, with Diamantis maintaining his innocence.
