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10/27/2023 03:45 PMOLD SAYBROOK
Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna announced that Public Works Director Lawrence Bonin has decided to retire after being reinstated into his position following a yearlong internal investigation. The investigation could not substantiate allegations of inappropriate behavior.
On Oct. 19, Fortuna released a press release that announced Bonin would retire effective Oct. 25.
“After multiple court appearances, all charges were dismissed on Aug. 8, 2023. Additionally, the Town of Old Saybrook conducted an independent internal investigation in which the investigator was not able to corroborate the most serious allegations of the complainant. No internal discipline was imposed. Mr. Bonin was reinstated to his position as public works director on Oct. 10, 2023, but has since decided to retire,” the release stated in part.
“The Town of Old Saybrook would like to thank William Claffey for his exemplary service as interim director and thanks the entire public works crew for their fine service during this time,” the release continued.
On Oct. 28, 2022, Bonin was arrested by Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) and charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree and breach of peace in the second degree. Bonin was immediately placed on administrative leave by the town following the arrest, and an internal investigation was opened into the allegations.
On Aug. 8, 2023, the charges against Bonin were dismissed. At a Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 26, the board, along with Bonin and Union President Ray Allen, went into an executive session to discuss the findings of the internal investigations. No action was taken following the executive session, but Fortuna told the Harbor News that Bonin would be “reinstated soon.” Bonin was officially reinstated on Oct. 10. A little over a week later, he announced his plans to retire.
A second press release that was released by Fortuna thanked Bonin for his years serving the town.
“The Town of Old Saybrook wishes to thank Larry Bonin for giving most of his adult life to the town in which he lives. We also know that, as a friend of the town, we can always call on Larry when we need his expertise. Best wishes to Larry and his family on this happy occasion,” Bonin said.
Fortuna said that Claffey would remain as acting director until the role is filled. Fortuna said the job would be advertised.
The Allegations
Following Bonin’s arrest in Oct. 2022, the Harbor News filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking any documents related to the arrest and received an arrest warrant from OSPD. According to an affidavit from Officer Stephanie Milardo, the arrest stemmed from several alleged interactions between an unnamed person, referred to only as Victim One, and Bonin, that occurred between November 2021 and April 2022 at the Old Saybrook Transfer Station. Victim One reported the allegations to OSPD in June 2022, prompting police to open an investigation.
According to the affidavit, Bonin allegedly made a series of inappropriate and unwanted sexual comments toward Victim One over several months. Milardo wrote that Victim One further alleged that Bonin took actions such as intentionally blocking the victim’s car in.
However, in August, the state dropped the case against Bonin. His attorney, Christopher Morano, said the state declined to move forward with the case, and the defense asked for a motion to dismiss the charges. “The essence of that is Mr. Bonin is completely cleared of these charges,” Morano said following the case.
“Mr. Bonin has been a dedicated public servant in Old Saybrook for decades; this arrest caused him great concern and embarrassed him,” Morano added.