Connecticut’s former senior budget official, Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis, 70, has become a fugitive after fleeing the United States ahead of his sentencing. The former Democratic state representative was convicted last year by a federal jury of extorting private contractors for bribes tied to multimillion‑dollar school construction contracts from 2018 to 2021.
Flight to Greece
Prosecutors say Diamantis traveled by boat from Florida to the Bahamas, then boarded a plane to London. Although he surrendered his U.S. passport, he obtained a Greek passport and is now residing in Greece, where extradition of Greek nationals is prohibited by local courts.
His attorney, Norman Pattis, confirmed via a phone call that Diamantis is in Greece and will not attend his sentencing, which was set for Thursday in federal court in Bridgeport. U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill has reset the sentencing date for September 30, stating the hearing will proceed with or without Diamantis present.
State response
Governor Ned Lamont condemned the escape, calling it a betrayal of public trust. “His repeated efforts to skirt justice are shameful,” Lamont said, adding that the state will move to stop his pension payments. Attorney General William Tong echoed the sentiment, labeling the disappearance a “shameful insult” to Connecticut residents.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of 10 to 12 years, while Pattis argued for a sentence without incarceration, proposing strict release conditions instead.
Diamantis’ claims
In a 10‑page email to his lawyer, Diamantis accused Governor Lamont of weaponizing the justice system and claimed the prosecution ruined his life, reputation, and family relationships. He also appealed to President Donald Trump and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington for assistance.
Diamantis faces an additional federal case alleging bribes taken to suppress a state audit of an eye doctor accused of Medicaid fraud.
Impact on state contracts
The conviction underscores ongoing concerns about corruption in the awarding of school‑construction contracts. Witnesses testified that bribes were handed to Diamantis in various locations, including a men’s room at an upscale restaurant, a doughnut shop, and his home. While Diamantis admitted receiving the money, he insisted it was legitimate consulting income.
Connecticut officials continue to pursue measures to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that public contracts are awarded transparently.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
