Former Building Official Elliot Wilson will be locked up Wednesday for his conviction in the federal corruption probe in Shelton.
But as of Monday afternoon, his employment status at City Hall was still up in the air.
Wilson, 67, has not resigned or been fired — and he’s waiting to hear whether the city will let him retire.
“Nothing’s definite yet,” said Wilson, who hasn’t been paid by the city since being placed on administrative leave in January 2010.
His attorney, Michael Hillis, is talking with city leaders to try to have Wilson to retire instead of resign, Wilson said.
“It’s a difference,” Wilson said. “Retiring is a better set up. The lawyer’s handling it.”
Hillis was unable to be reached for comment Monday.
Mayor Mark Lauretti did not return calls for comment Monday morning and afternoon.
Background
Wilson pleaded guilty to lying to a grand jury, when he said he didn’t accept gifts, cash and favors from developers in Shelton.
In fact, Wilson admitted in federal court, he had accepted gifts for a decade — including $2,500 in cash from Robert Scinto, according to court documents.
He was sentenced to 10 months — of which he’ll spend five in prison and five under house arrest.
No Pension
If Wilson retires he will not receive a pension, a union representative said Monday.
That’s because members of the supervisors union — United Electrical Connecticut Independent Labor Union — do not receive pensions, union president Debbie Onderko said.
“A pension is not an option,” Onderko said. “There is no retirement benefit in that way at all. We have defined contributions, what we as employees put in.”
Onderko said the employee contribution plan is like a 401K retirement account.
The union is not involved in the negotiations for Wilson’s separation from City Hall, Onderko said.
The topic came up at the union’s last meeting on Thursday, but only because Wilson is a friend, she said.
“It’s just totally unfortunate, the whole thing, from beginning to end,” Onderko said. “He’s a nice man. A very very nice man.”
Lack Of Movement
Wilson pleaded guilty on January 6, 2010. He was suspended eight days later.
Wilson has remained on unpaid administrative leave while awaiting sentencing and imprisonment.
Some in Shelton have questioned why nothing has changed during that time.
They include Chris Jones, a Democrat who has announced he wants to run for mayor against Lauretti.
“I would have thought by now that the situation would have been rectified,” Jones said. “And I would have expected Mr. Wilson to resign by now.”
Jones declined further comment because he hasn’t officially heard if there’s been any movement in regard to Wilson’s employment. He said the lack of movement — and the silence about the issue — were concerning.
“Apparently nobody else in the city knows,” Jones said.
Board of Aldermen President John Anglace said Lauretti has been talking with Wilson and there would be an answer before Wednesday.
“Apparently he has certain rights under the contract,” Anglace said. “I think they’re trying to put everything in order and resolve it amicably.”
“I know (Mayor Lauretti) is on top of it,” Anglace said.
Wilson is the only public official in the corruption probe to be charged or convicted. Federal prosecutors have also charged two developers and one family member of a developer.
Robert Scinto pleaded guilty in October to making false statements to federal agents. He will be sentenced on Wednesday.
James Botti was sentenced to six years in federal prison after his conviction at trial last year for mail fraud and structuring charges.
His father, Peter Botti, was sentenced to a year of probation and a fine for helping Botti hide large cash deposits from the IRS.
During James Botti’s trial, federal prosecutors named Lauretti as “Public Official #1” — the target of their probe. But Lauretti has never been charged and denies wrongdoing.
