Federal Case Nears Close Against Ex-CT Official Accused of Bribery

This federal case unfolding in Connecticut focuses on former state official Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis. Prosecutors accuse him of steering lucrative construction oversight contracts to a woman-owned firm by using improper influence.

FBI agents, former colleagues, and contractors have testified, offering a tangled view of behind-the-scenes dealings with school construction projects in towns like Tolland and Hartford. The trial keeps exposing links between Diamantis, firm owner Antonietta D. Roy, and a handful of government officials.

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It’s hard not to wonder about the ethics, transparency, and accountability in public projects across Connecticut after hearing all this.

Federal Trial Uncovers Alleged Contract Steering

FBI Special Agent Jennifer Wagner told the court that Diamantis lied to investigators in 2023 about his role in helping Roy’s company, Construction Advocacy Professionals (CAP), win state-funded school construction contracts.

Diamantis has denied these claims, but Roy already admitted she paid him about $4,500 and hired his daughter, Anastasia, at $45 an hour plus bonuses. That job ended after Diamantis lost his state position.

Court records show Roy, Diamantis, and Hartford officials exchanged phone calls in March 2020. That same month, CAP landed a major oversight role on the Tolland school project, even though it didn’t submit the lowest bid.

Judge’s Warning to Diamantis

Presiding Judge Stefan Underhill told Diamantis he can’t pick and choose which questions to answer if he takes the stand. It’s a pointed reminder of just how much is riding on this case.

This trial touches cities all over Connecticut—Bristol, New London, Middletown—and could shake public trust in how government contracts get awarded.

Inside the FBI’s Investigation

Witnesses for the prosecution have offered a rare look at how federal investigators work these cases. Hartford city engineer Frank Dellaripa testified that he wore an FBI recording device during his talks with Diamantis.

Those recordings now serve as evidence about how contracts might have been steered outside of proper bidding procedures.

Diamantis once led the Connecticut Office of School Construction Grants and Review. That job gave him serious power over which companies got oversight roles in school building projects in towns like Waterbury, Norwich, and New Britain.

Former Subordinate Questions CAP’s Qualifications

Michelle Dixon, who worked as an accountant under Diamantis, said Roy’s company wasn’t ready for the projects it was awarded. She described CAP’s lack of preparation as obvious from the get-go.

She raised doubts that the state prioritized expertise—or even proper bidding—when handing out contracts.

Defense Pushback Against Conspiracy Allegations

Defense attorney Norman Pattis pushed back, arguing there was no coordinated scheme between Diamantis and Roy. He compared them to “two trains running in different directions,” insisting their actions weren’t part of any planned effort to rig contracts.

But several contractors have told a different story. Testimony from Roy and masonry company owner Salvatore Monarca confirmed they paid Diamantis, fueling more questions in places from Danbury to Bridgeport about pay-to-play politics.

Plea Deals and Upcoming Trials

A handful of contractors have already pleaded guilty and are working with prosecutors. Diamantis still faces 21 federal counts—one false-statement charge was dropped, but the rest remain.

He’s also scheduled for another federal trial next year. Folks in cities and towns all over Connecticut—from Stamford to Norwalk—will probably keep seeing his name in the news for a while yet.

Impact on Connecticut Communities

The allegations and testimonies in this case shake up how Connecticut manages its state construction projects. For towns like Tolland and Hartford, and districts reaching into New Haven, the scandal really puts the bidding process under a harsh spotlight.

Millions of taxpayer dollars ride on these projects. If trust cracks, the financial and reputational fallout could last for years.

Contract selection transparency might get stricter as lawmakers respond to federal findings.
Oversight qualifications could face tougher checks to make sure people are actually up to the job.
Ethics training for public officials may soon become a required thing.
Community confidence in state-run projects, honestly, is going to take some real work to restore.

As the trial drags on, folks all over Connecticut—from Meriden to Groton—are watching and waiting. The final verdict might shape future policies, oversight, and even sway local elections where accountability is suddenly front and center.

People want a fair bidding system, right? Whether it’s busy Hartford or quiet Tolland, taxpayers expect skill, value, and honesty to come first.

Here is the source article for this story: Fed prosecutors to wrap up corruption case against ex-CT official accused of demanding bribes

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