Former State Representative Chris Ziogas, a familiar political figure in Bristol and central Connecticut, has admitted in federal court to his role in a corruption and bank fraud scheme tied to a canceled state audit.
This case, which weaves together political power, health care billing, and alleged backroom dealing, is sending ripples from Hartford to New Haven. Residents are left wondering what all this means for ethics in government and public trust.
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Guilty Plea from a Longtime Bristol Lawmaker
Ziogas, 74, represented Connecticut’s 79th House District from 2017 to 2023. He pleaded guilty to three serious charges: conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, making false statements, and bank fraud.
He left office last year and Democrat Mary Fortier took his place. The federal investigation that followed his tenure has now ended with Ziogas’s public admission of guilt.
The former lawmaker is currently out on a $500,000 bond as he waits for sentencing, scheduled for February 18 before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.
Each offense carries heavy potential prison time: up to 20 years for extortion conspiracy, up to 5 years for false statements, and up to 30 years for bank fraud. That’s a lot of time hanging over his head.
Charges That Carry Decades of Potential Prison Time
Conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right focuses on abusing public office for personal gain. Prosecutors say Ziogas used his position as a state representative to try to derail a state audit.
The bank fraud and false statement charges involve how money moved and how Ziogas tried to cover up those actions when authorities started asking questions.
People in cities like Waterbury, Danbury, and Stamford are noticing how federal prosecutors seem more willing lately to go after public officials who blend elected office with private financial schemes.
How a Medicaid Audit Turned into a Corruption Case
The heart of the case is a Medicaid billing audit targeting Family Eye Care, a practice owned by Ziogas’s fiancée, Helen Zervas, an optometrist.
State officials claimed Zervas overbilled Medicaid for services that were unnecessary or never provided. That triggered the Department of Social Services (DSS) to plan a formal review of her billing.
Instead of facing the audit, prosecutors say Ziogas leaned on political connections and influence. What should’ve been a routine regulatory process became a criminal conspiracy, with real consequences for taxpayers from New Britain to Norwich.
The Role of a Senior State Budget Official
Court records show the scheme pulled in Kostantinos Diamantis, a senior official in the state’s Office of Policy and Management. Diamantis allegedly agreed to use his position and political reach to interfere with the DSS audit in exchange for bribe payments.
Between March and May of 2020, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was upending life for Connecticut residents in places like Hartford, New London, and Bridgeport, nearly $100,000 in bribes allegedly changed hands.
- Ziogas made several payments totaling close to $100,000 to Diamantis.
- Zervas reimbursed Ziogas for the bribe money, tying the payments directly back to the Medicaid billing dispute.
- These payments aimed to induce Diamantis to influence or halt the DSS audit.
The Canceled Audit and a Six-Figure Settlement
The DSS audit for Zervas’s practice was ultimately canceled. Instead of a full, independent review of Medicaid billing records, the matter ended with a settlement payment to the state.
According to federal authorities, a check for $599,810 was delivered to the Department of Social Services by Ziogas and Diamantis themselves. The sight of a sitting or recently serving legislator handing over a settlement check next to a high-level state budget official is now raising eyebrows as people question how power really works behind the scenes in state government.
What It Means for Public Trust and Oversight
Residents from Meriden to Milford are left asking whether current safeguards are strong enough to stop state officials from meddling with audits meant to protect public funds. Medicaid dollars, paid by state and federal taxpayers, are supposed to help vulnerable patients—not get twisted through political favors.
Looking Ahead to Sentencing and Reform
With the February 18 sentencing date coming up, people across Connecticut are paying close attention. Ziogas’s cooperation could matter, but so might the actual financial damage and his long public career.
For voters in Bristol and nearby towns, this case might spark new debates about ethics reforms at the Capitol. Maybe it’s time for stronger rules on conflicts of interest or tighter controls around Medicaid providers.
Folks everywhere—from Torrington to New Haven—want honest government and careful use of public money. This whole situation is probably going to stick in people’s minds long after the sentencing.
Here is the source article for this story: Former State Rep Ziogas pleads guilty to fraud charges
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