Update: Derby police said two men have been charged in connection to the March attack on a city resident.
Anthony DeFala, Jr. 26, of Derby, is charged with second-degree assault, a felony, and second-degree breach of peace, a misdemeanor.
DeFala is a former member of the city’s Board of Apportionment and Taxation.
Richard Valenti, 27, of Derby, is charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. Both charges are misdemeanors.
Both men are scheduled to be arraigned June 25 at 10 a.m.
They were arrested June 15, Derby police said Friday.
The original post from Thursday follows:
A 53-year-old man who was beaten into a coma while leaving Connie’s restaurant is suing the business, claiming the owners should have done more to prevent the attack.
Ronald Sabatini, a Derby resident, was attacked as he attempted to leave the bar at about 1:45 a.m. on March 6, according to a lawsuit filed on his behalf by Seymour attorney Andrew J. Pianka.
A call seeking comment was left with Pianka.
According to the lawsuit, Sabatini, who suffered brain damage, was attacked by two drunken men. The attackers are not identified in the lawsuit.
Among his injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of teeth
- Spinal injuries
- Fractured ribs
- Fractured facial bones
Sabatini has lost his chance at future income, according to the lawsuit.
Connie’s is responsible because they served the alcohol to the two drunk attackers, the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit is filed under the state’s Dram Shop Act, which holds bar owners accountable if they continue to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then injures someone.
The law limits damage awards to $250,000.
The lawsuit claims Connie’s owners did not provide adequate security at the bar — and they failed to provide assistance to Sabatini, or call for help.
The lawsuit names Staffieri and Hughes, LLC as defendants. That limited liability company includes Anthony and Paul Staffieri and, at the time of the incident, Jeffrey Hughes. Hughes is named as an additional defendant. His name is on the liquor permit.
Anthony and Paul are the sons of Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri.
Jeffrey Hughes is the brother of Ken Hughes, president of the Derby Board of Aldermen.
About three days after the attack, the ownership at Connie’s fell apart.
Hughes claims the Staffieri brothers held a meeting March 9 where he was illegally fired from the business. Paul Staffieri claims Hughes left willingly, then wanted to return.
Hughes has a lawsuit pending in Milford court against his business partners.
Meanwhile, Connie’s owners announced Monday they will close for business June 26.
The business and building are for sale.
The lawsuit was filed Thursday.
