The attorney who successfully defended an Ansonia police officer in a high profile larceny case is now representing a Shelton officer who claims he’s being persecuted by his bosses.
Loren Casertano hired Rob Serafinowicz this week after his former attorney, Norm Pattis, was asked by a judge to remove himself as Casertano’s lawyer because of a potential conflict of interest, according to Serafinowicz.
Casertano has two criminal charges — fifth-degree larceny and conspiracy to tamper with evidence — pending against him.
Pattis, who did not return requests for comment Wednesday, also represents Casertano’s wife in the same criminal case. That’s something that could cause a conflict at a trial, Serafinowicz said.
Casertano was arrested by state police in 2008 over an incident with an iPod stolen from his teenage daughter by her friend.
State police charged Casertano with fifth-degree larceny for allegedly trying to extort money from his daughter’s friend as payment for the iPod. Police claim Casertano asked for more money than the iPod was worth.
He and his wife have also been charged with allegedly fabricating evidence in the case. Police claim they fabricated receipts for iPod engraving.
Casertano has a federal lawsuit and an ethics complaint pending against the department and Police Chief Joel Hurliman.
He claims he is being targeted for speaking out about issues within the department.
Serafinowicz said he’ll settle for nothing less than a dismissal from the state prosecutors.
“I don’t get brought in to cut deals,” Serafinowicz said. “I’ve been brought in to be trial counsel. I’ll be prepared to move forward.”
Serafinowicz also represented former Ansonia police officer Mustafa Salahuddin, who was accused of stealing a garden hose from the department in 2008.
That case went to trial, where Serafinowicz aggressively questioned Ansonia PD brass about their treatment of his client.
Salahuddin was found not guilty.
Casertano’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 22, at which time Serafinowicz said a firm trial date will likely be set. Serafinowicz projected the trial would begin in May.
He said he believes Casertano will be successful at trial.
“If I didn’t believe the cases were incredibly strong, we wouldn’t be preparing to go to trial,” Serafinowitz said.
