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Blumenthal Files To Revoke Perez Pension

Says state law mandated that he pursue the action

By Jeff Cohen

September 27, 2010

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says his office has filed court papers to revoke the pension of former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez. WNPR’s Jeff Cohen reports.

Perez was sentenced to three years in prison earlier this month on corruption charges. Blumenthal says that means the former mayor shouldn't get his pension.

“We’re proceeding with an action regarding former Mayor Perez’s pension because the law requires us to do so.”

The website ctnewsjunkie.com first reported the story.

According to a statement earlier this summer, Blumenthal said Perez made an average salary of $140,000 over his nine-year tenure at city hall. As a result, he's eligible for a minimum annual pension of roughly $25,000.

Whether Perez loses some or all of his pension is now up to a judge.

The law says that judge will have to consider the needs and resources of an innocent spouse. That could be crucial in Perez’s case. His wife has been ill for a number of years.

Blumenthal would not comment when asked whether it was a hard move for him to take against a mayor he once supported.

Perez is free pending his appeal. Attempts to reach his attorneys were unsuccessful.