A criminal case against the former director of the Derby Senior Center who was fired after allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars from the organization is still working its way through the legal system.
The former director, Sarah Muoio, 31, was due to appear at Superior Court in Milford Tuesday, where she faces a charge of first-degree larceny in connection with the alleged embezzlement.
But the prosecutor, State’s Attorney Kevin Lawlor, was picking a jury in an unrelated case, so Muoio’s matter was continued to next month without her appearing before a judge.
Afterward, her lawyer, Dominick Thomas, hinted that she may apply for a diversionary program that could see the charge against her dismissed.
Background
Muoio was released after her May 13 arrest after posting $10,000 bond. She has pleaded not guilty in the case.
The arrest came four months after Mayor Anita Dugatto fired her. An auditor was then contacted to review the senior center’s bank accounts and bookkeeping.
“Financial irregularities” were allegedly discovered dating back to 2011, which prompted a request in February from the mayor for the Derby Police Department to investigate.
Police affidavits included in search warrants connected to the investigation alleged Muoio used money from dues and fundraisers to fund personal shopping sprees.
The documents allege she bought items such as furniture, carpet, bed frames, a yoga ball, house paint, dining sets and quilts.
Case Continued
Lawlor said Tuesday that he has not yet made an offer to Muoio in the case.
“It’s still being investigated,” he said.
The prosecutor declined to elaborate further.
Muoio’s lawyer, Dominick Thomas, said he and Lawlor “had some discussions” about the case Tuesday.
Asked if Muoio plans on filing an application for accelerated rehabilitation — a diversionary program which could see the charges against her dismissed — Thomas said that “nothing is off the table.”
Muoio is scheduled to return to court Jan. 4, 2017.
