Federal prosecutors are criticizing East Haven police for selling the guns of an officer who retired last year after being charged with violating the civil rights of Latinos.

Police Chief Brent Larrabee told the New Haven Register that he has ordered an internal affairs investigation into the sale of former officer David Cari's guns.

Cari was one of four East Haven officers arrested by federal agents a year ago for allegedly abusing and harassing Latinos. He pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.

Cari had to surrender his guns and wasn't allowed to sell them under the conditions of his release. The police department took possession of 18 of Cari's guns.

A federal prosecutor says officers who helped arrange and allowed the sales should be held in contempt of court.