The city of New Haven has taken decisive action in response to allegations of financial misconduct involving city-issued credit cards. Latha Swamy, the Food System Policy Director, has been dismissed from her position after an investigation revealed she allegedly made at least $5,000 in personal purchases using her city-issued procurement card (P-Card). This decision was confirmed in the city’s latest personnel report, with her termination effective as of May 29.
Investigation and Consequences
City spokesperson Lenny Speiller explained that the misuse of the P-Card was discovered following a review of credit card records. Swamy reportedly admitted to making unauthorized purchases, which violated city policies. The city conducted a Loudermill hearing, a standard procedure for public sector employees facing termination, before deciding to terminate Swamy’s employment.
The New Haven Police Department has been notified, and an investigation is underway to further examine the unauthorized transactions. Detective Kealyn Nivakoff is leading the investigation, with the police department expected to take appropriate action once their findings are complete.
Supervisor’s Suspension
In addition to Swamy’s termination, her supervisor, Community Services Administrator Eliza Halsey, received a one-week unpaid suspension. Halsey, who oversees various social-service divisions within the city government, was held accountable for monitoring Swamy’s performance. Despite the suspension, Halsey remains a valued member of the administration, according to Speiller.
Background and Context
Swamy had been with the city since 2018, contributing to the development of a local urban agriculture master plan and a citywide community composting program. Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that Swamy made over $108,000 in transactions with her city-issued credit card between December 2024 and February 2026. Some notable transactions included payments to Carlianne Creates, CurrentBody, and Kickstarter.
This incident follows other recent controversies involving city officials, including the abrupt retirement and subsequent arrest of former Police Chief Karl Jacobson for allegedly stealing public funds, and former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart’s withdrawal from the gubernatorial race amid similar allegations of credit card misuse.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
