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A Short Hearing Before Judge

Cases Of Perez, Three Others Transferred

Courant Staff Report

September 09, 2009

Mayor Eddie A. Perez, a city councilwoman, a former state representative and a city businessman appeared in Superior Court in Hartford Tuesday morning, where their cases were transferred to another judge who will hold a hearing Friday.

Perez, City Councilwoman Veronica Airey-Wilson, former Hartford state Rep. Abraham Giles and Farmington businessman Carlos Lopez had their cases transferred to the Part A courtroom, where more serious cases are heard. They are scheduled to appear before Judge Julia Dewey on Friday, but two of the lawyers involved have indicated they have scheduling conflicts.

No pleas were entered Tuesday.

The four were arrested last week on charges including attempted extortion, fabricating evidence, and voter fraud. The charges arose from an 18-month state investigation into allegations of corruption at city hall.

Perez also was arrested last January, accused of receiving $40,000 in discounted work on his home from a city contractor. The mayor also denies those claims. State prosecutors are expected to tell Dewey this week whether they intend to consolidate the two cases.