Hartford – In a modest courtroom on Thursday, Attorney General William Tong’s office pressed a state Superior Court judge to intervene in the pension payments of Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, a former state official who was convicted of soliciting bribes from school‑construction contractors. The AG’s team seeks a court order that would keep Diamantis’ monthly pension of more than $70,000 in escrow until the state can determine whether to permanently reduce or revoke the benefits.
Background and legal context
Diamantis, who fled to Greece before sentencing, was found guilty on federal charges of bribery, extortion and conspiracy and received a seven‑year prison term. Since leaving state employment in 2021, he has continued to collect his pension. The Connecticut Comptroller’s office halted direct deposits on those payments in September, prompting the attorney general’s office to request a temporary injunction to clarify the state’s authority to hold the funds.
Judge questions the need for an injunction
State Superior Court Judge James Graham asked why the state needed an injunction when the comptroller had already stopped the wiring of the payments. “The comptroller’s earlier decision to stop wiring money to Mr. Diamantis ‘begged the question’ as to why the state is seeking a temporary injunction now,” Judge Graham noted.
Assistant Attorney General Eric Babbs explained that the case is unique because Diamantis is an international fugitive. The AG’s office wants a clear judicial ruling to ensure the state’s actions are legally sound and to prevent any future disputes over the pension.
Diamantis’ response and due‑process claim
From abroad, Diamantis sent a text message attacking the AG and the comptroller, claiming his due‑process rights were violated. “Why should my pension be held in escrow? They are owed to me until and unless the court rules I should be denied my future pensions,” he wrote, adding that he would appeal any adverse ruling.
He also alleged that the state moved forward without properly notifying him, stating, “I did not know about the action in court taking place. Zero knowledge of Mr. Tong’s action. All I know is he and/or the comptroller illegally stopped my pension that I earned before any action was filed in court.”
Service challenges and next steps
Judge Graham raised concerns about whether the AG’s office had made sufficient efforts to serve Diamantis. Babbs said a summons was delivered to Diamantis’ former residence in Farmington, but the state could not locate his current address in Greece. The office also reached out to Norm Pattis, who represents Diamantis in federal court, to deliver the summons, though Pattis clarified he is not representing Diamantis in the state case.
The judge acknowledged the difficulty of serving an international fugitive and instructed the attorney general’s office to draft a motion explaining why its service attempts are adequate.
Implications for Connecticut’s pension system
This lawsuit underscores the state’s resolve to protect public funds and ensure that individuals convicted of serious crimes do not continue to benefit from taxpayer‑funded pensions. By seeking a clear judicial determination, the Tong administration aims to uphold fiscal responsibility and reinforce the principle that public service must be accompanied by accountability.
Connecticut residents can follow the case as it proceeds through the courts, with the expectation that any final decision will set a precedent for handling similar pension disputes involving convicted officials.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
