DERBY – The chairman of the Derby Housing Authority has stepped back – but has not resigned – after police lodged more than 31 misdemeanor charges against him.
Dani Soto, who also works as a police officer in the City of Bridgeport, was arrested on July 3 for allegedly stalking and harassing a former girlfriend, according to The Connecticut Post.
Soto faces five stalking charges, four charges of second-degree unlawful restraint, and 22 counts of second-degree harassment.
The accusations come from a woman who said Soto repeatedly harassed her after she broke off the relationship. An arrest warrant alleges Soto pulled the woman over in a police cruiser on a number of occasions, and that she has video proof of the encounters. He is also accused of constantly messaging the victim.
However, Soto’s lawyer said in court that the woman has a grudge against Soto and pointed out Soto is cooperating with the investigation, according to the Post.
Soto’s lawyer did not return a call for comment. The Connecticut Post reported he’s on administrative duty with Bridgeport police pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
Soto is due back in court on Aug. 6.
Soto is a longtime volunteer in Derby. He has been an appointed member of the Derby Housing Authority for about 18 months, according to city officials.
Members of the housing authority oversee federally subsidized housing in Derby.
Linda Fusco is a member of the housing authority, and is employed as Mayor Joe DiMartino’s chief of staff in Derby City Hall. She said Soto agreed to step back from the housing authority.
“Right now, he’s not going to perform his duties (for the housing authority) until the investigation is complete,” Fusco said. “We had a conversation and he agreed it made sense. He is still a member of the board. You’re innocent until proven guilty.”
The housing authority oversees three housing complexes in Derby: Cicia Manor on Anson Street, Stygar Terrace on Hawthorne Avenue and Lakeview Apartments on Guardiano Terrace, which together comprise 109 units, Fusco said.
