the Town of Greenwich by Frank Trotta

FROM GHS HEADMASTER:

Dear Parents,

Below is a statement just released by the Greenwich Public Schools in response to new information from the Greenwich Police Department regarding an ongoing investigation of Steve Allen.

If you would like to talk to your child about this new information and need guidance or assistance, we are prepared to help you. It is important for all of our students to feel comfortable talking about these issues with you as their parents. The administrators and counselors at Greenwich High School are also available as an additional support system to you and your child.

If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.

Thank you,

Chris Winters,
GHS Headmaster
******************************************
Wednesday, November 30. 2011

Greenwich Police Department Issues Press Release

Regarding Former Music Teacher Steve Allen

The Greenwich Police Department (GPD) has issued a press release stating that photographs of a sexually explicit nature, some of which appeared to include children, were discovered in Mr. Steve Allen’s apartment at the time of his death. Mr. Allen, a thirty-three year educator and music teacher at Eastern Middle School for the last eleven years, passed away on November 9, 2011.

According to the GPD press release, an in-depth investigation into this issue is ongoing in order to, “determine Mr. Allen’s level of involvement in this activity, identify and assist all possible victims, and confirm that none of the victims are local residents.”

Superintendent of Schools Roger J. Lulow said, “We are both surprised and distressed at this news. We are surprised because there had been no indication or suspicion that Mr. Allen was involved in any activity of this nature, nor have there been any complaints or accusations regarding his behavior. We are distressed because we do not condone or tolerate this behavior in anyone, much less a member of our staff. A review of Mr. Allen’s personnel file and the background check, including fingerprinting, conducted at the time of his hire, reveal no reports, accusations or suspicions of inappropriate behavior nor any criminal record.”

Dr. Lulow continued, “We are relieved that the police have not found any evidence that local individuals have been victim to inappropriate or illegal acts in relation to Mr. Allen’s personal activities. The GPD release further states, “the majority of the discovered photographs appear to be from web sites that cater to this type of criminal activity, many of which are located in foreign countries.” We are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation, and encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact Lt. Kraig Gray at the Greenwich Police Department, 203-622-3620.”

Dr. Lulow added, “Our primary objective at this time is to assist the school community, particularly the students, in dealing with this news. To that end, the District as a whole and Eastern Middle School and Greenwich High School (schools with students of Mr. Allen’s) specifically, will provide support and guidance for staff, students and families as needed.”

If parents have concerns about how to respond to specific questions from their children or if they are concerned about their children’s response to this information, they should contact their child’s school and ask to speak with the psychologist, social worker or guidance counselor.

The Greenwich Public Schools curriculum includes instruction in Grades 1, 4, 8 and 11 for students on how to recognize inappropriate or illegal behavior and what to do if they believe they are experiencing it or are witness to such acts. We encourage families to listen carefully to their children and encourage conversation about this matter.
In order to maintain or hold a license to teach in the State of Connecticut, teachers must abide by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators, which specifically addresses expectations around both professional and unprofessional conduct. There is no tolerance for any illegal behavior on the part of any employee of the Greenwich Public Schools, particularly when the actions may impact the health and safety of our students.

Battle of the Badges

GPD winner 2009 2010

GFD winner 2008

GEMS

Battle of the Badges

Saturday, December 10
8:00 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

at the Greenwich Police Station
19 Havemeyer Place

The Battle of the Badges contest and blood drive is a friendly
competition to see which group can collect the most units of
lifesaving blood, through their own donations as well as through
recruited donors.

Please join us at the Greenwich Police Station to support your
local department!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an
appointment, please call the Greenwich Chapter at
203-869-8444 or 1.800.REDCROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org

The following GPD press release is courtesy of CAPP.

Officer of the Month
October, 2011
Detective Sergeant Thomas Kelly

At 3:15 PM the Greenwich Police Department was alerted that the Lux, Bond and Green jewelry store was being robbed. Detective Sergeant Thomas Kelly immediately responded to the area to assist officers involved in a foot pursuit of one of the suspects.
Sergeant Kelly located and made the initial apprehension of one of the four suspects. That initial capture was the pivotal moment for a quick conclusion to this investigation. After the apprehension, Detective Sergeant Kelly supervised the investigative effort in this incident with many hours spent pursuing the remaining suspects into their hometown of New York City.
Four suspects were ultimately determined to be involved in the robbery, three of which have been arrested. An arrest warrant has been obtained for the fourth suspect, who remains on the run. All of the suspects have extensive criminal histories with one of the suspects having been released from prison just 4 days prior to the robbery.

“This is a classic example of Sergeant Kelly’s resourcefulness and dedication to duty. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time and is very deserving of this recognition.”
Captain Mark Marino
Detective Division

Sergeant Kelly is commended for his decisive action and dedication to duty.

FROM GPD courtesy of CAPP

Bank Robbery
People Bank Riverside
GPD # 11-49169
At 1017 AM on November 16, 2011, GPD communications center received a hold up alarm from :
Peoples Bank
1155 East Putnam Ave
Riverside, CT
A suspect had entered the bank and presented the teller with note demanding money. No weapon was displayed. The teller complied with the request and the suspect left the bank. The suspect is described as:

A Hispanic or light skinned black male, in his 20’s, with facial hair, 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 180 lbs. The suspect was wearing a black or dark blue NY Yankee baseball hat, a dark brown hooded sweatshirt, dark brown baggy sweatpants. It’s believed that the suspect may have RED dye on his hands or on his clothing as the bank dye pack was recovered after activation

The suspect was last seen on foot to the rear of the bank. A Stamford police K-9 was detailed to assist in tracking the suspect however the suspect remains at large.

Investigators have viewed surveillance images of the suspect and believe this to be the same suspect from a similar bank robbery. That robbery had taken place on Saturday November 5th the Peoples bank at the bottom of Greenwich Ave.

If anyone has any information regarding either of these bank robberies contact the Greenwich Police Tip line at (203) 622-3333.

FROM GPD

Motor Vehicle Accident
North Street
GPD Case # 11-48887

At approximately 12:30 PM a four dour Lexus sedan driven by an elderly local Greenwich women, was traveling south on North Street. In the area of 437 North Street, the Lexus struck a ten wheel dump truck which had been traveling in the opposite direction.

The operator of the dump truck was found uninjured and the operator of the Lexus was heavily entrapped and severely injured.

Members of the Greenwich Fire Department (GFD) were able to extricate the operator. The patient was found to be critically injured and her care was turned over to the personnel of the Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS).

GEMS transported the operator to the nearest medical facility which is the Greenwich Hospital. During her transport to the hospital she was provided Advanced Life Support.

Upon arrival at the Greenwich Hospital her care was then turned over to the Emergency Room staff.

The roadway is closed on North Street between Clapboard Ridge Road and Doubling Road while officers investigate this accident.
The roadway should be open by the evening rush hour.

More information will be released November 15, 2011.

Mallard Drive Incident
GPD #1100047101
Arrest

James B. Magri (07/12/1984)
3 Eden Lane
New Milford, CT 06776

On November 3, 2011 Magri turned himself after being notified that the Greenwich Police Department held an active arrest warrant for his arrest.
The warrant was issued by Stamford Superior Court on November 3, 2010 for the following charges.

53a-73a Sexual Assault 4th Felony
53-21 Risk of Injury to a Minor Felony

On October 31, 2011 Magri approached a lone 18 year old female walking on Mallard Drive while he was operating a white van. Magri was able to convince that female to get in his van. Magri attempted to convince the female to engage in a consensual sex act but after being rebuffed inappropriately touched the victim.

On November 2 Magri approached a lone 14 year old female walking on Mallard Drive again while he was operating a white van. Magri attempted to convince the girl to get in the van but the girl refused. Magri left the area as the girl began to use her cell phone to call for help.

Magri was released on a $1,000 dollar bond and is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on November 10th, 2011

P R E S S R E L E A S E

Office of First Selectman
(203) 622-7710
Fax (203) 622-3793
Town Hall- 101 Field Point Road – Greenwich, CT 06830
E-Mail: ptesei@greenwichct.org

www.twitter.com/GreenwichFirst
TOWN OF GREENWICH, Peter J. Tesei, First Selectman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2011

9:30 a.m.

SITUATION:

The Town of Greenwich is beginning to approach full recovery from the storm of 29 October 2011.

Departments of the Town continue in their unified efforts to return Town facilities and infrastructure to a normal state of affairs.

The only reported complete road closure is Lockwood Lane at East Putnam Avenue which involves power lines. Alternate routes to avoid the closure are available. Many minor roadway obstructions remain
around Town, but most are expected to be reduced by the end of 4 November 2011.

Approximately 1% of Greenwich CL&P customers are without power (502 customers—residences or businesses, out of 27,910). Nineteen Towns across the State of Connecticut have 80% or more of their
residents and businesses without power. More than half the Towns across Connecticut have 50% or more of their residents and businesses without power.

Current CL&P priorities within Greenwich are restoring power to remaining dark neighborhoods and remediation of individual service issues.

FUTURE OPERATIONS: The TOG is striving to ensure that all roadways remain open. CL&P achieved 99% restoration of Greenwich customers at 11:00 pm on 2 November 2011, about 24 hours earlier than projected. CL&P is projecting 100% restoration by the end of the day on 5 November 2011 (Saturday).

PUBLIC INFORMATION POINTS:

The Town has posted an updated link at www.greenwichct.org to a map indicating current roadway obstructions across Greenwich. The map will be updated by 2:00 pm on 3 November 2011.

CL&P is responsible for the restoration of power and maintenance of the power grid.

The Town of Greenwich does not have any supervisory authority over CL&P. The State of Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Agency (PURA) provides oversight and can be reached at 800-382-4586 or on
the web at www.ct.gov/dpuc.

The Town of Greenwich operates an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate all Greenwich departments and assets in response to storm recovery efforts.

CL&P provides a liaison to the Town Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Greenwich EOC provides input to CL&P on restoration priorities.
Overarching priorities communicated by the Town to CL&P include public safety capabilities, medical treatment facilities, roadway access, assisted living facilities, critical infrastructure (i.e. waste water), and efforts that result in the highest number of restorations.

Remember that if you are using a vehicle or a generator to charge electronic devices, please use these outside. These devices should not be indoors. Having your garage door open is not sufficiently safe.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and deadly.

All down wires should be considered “live” and lethal.

As we all work to clean up in the aftermath of the storm, please assist the Town by refraining from placing your yard waste and storm debris in the right of way. The Department of Public Works will not remove
debris from private property.

For those residents who have found Connecticut Light and Power’s response to be insufficient to the task at hand, complaints can be made to the Public Utility Regulatory Agency (PURA) of the State of
Connecticut. PURA complaints may be lodged via toll-free phone at 1 800 382 4586 or on-line at
http://www.ct.gov/dpuc/cwp/view.asp?a=3352&q=404030

FROM THE GPD (courtesy of the Greenwich Community and Police Partnership — CAPP).

Mallard Drive Incident

The Greenwich Police Department is investigating an incident that took place on Mallard Drive in central Greenwich were a female victim reported that she had been inappropriately touched.

It was reported that at approximately 2 PM on October 31,2011 an eighteen year old female was walking along Mallard drive when she approached by a passing white van with a ladder on top. The operator is described as an overweight white male with blue eyes and brownish orange facial hair. The operator was wearing a gray sweater and black knit cap. The operator reportedly offered her a ride and convinced the girl to get in the van. He then proceeded to drive the girl to her residence, which was a short distance away. While traveling to the residence it was reported that the operator inappropriately touched her.

The case is currently being investigated by the Special Victims Section. If anyone has any information regarding this incident please contact (203) 622-8030 or our tip line at 203-622-3333.

We also urge all parents to take speak to their children regarding the dangers of accepting unsolicited rides from strangers.

RELEASE FROM Office of First Selectman PETER TESEI:

SITUATION:
Storm recovery efforts continue within the Town of Greenwich. Greenwich assets are focused on ensuring the delivery of emergency services to all areas of the community, restoration of roadways, and recovery of all Town facilities and infrastructure.

There are numerous roadway obstructions throughout the Town, but most are passable. Current road closures include the following: Serenity Lane, Ferncliff Road, Lockwood Lane, Marks Road, Baldwin Farms Drive South, and Baldwin Farms Drive North.

There are currently 2,885 Connecticut Light and Power customers in the Town of Greenwich without electrical service, down from approximate 3,665 at 5:30 p.m. Monday. There are 676,914 customers without power throughout the State, down from the 740,619 customers without power yesterday.

Over 50 Towns across the State of Connecticut have 75% or more of their residents without power. More than half the Towns across Connecticut have 50% or more without power.
Current CL&P priorities are roadway closures due to power lines, restoring power to dense customer areas (i.e. mass density captures), restoration to schools, and waste water systems (i.e. grinder pumps and pump stations).

CL&P crews will be working on and around the following locations: Orchard Street, Lake Avenue, North Street and Lapboard Ridge.

FUTURE OPERATIONS:
The Town is striving to ensure that all roadways will be open by the end of 1 November 2011 (Tuesday). CL&P is currently projecting that 99% of the Town customers will have their power restored by 3 November 2011 (Thursday) at 11:00 PM. CL&P is projecting 100% restoration by the end of the day on 5 November 2011 (Saturday).

PUBLIC INFORMATION POINTS:
CL&P is responsible for the restoration of power and maintenance of the power grid.
The Town of Greenwich does not have any supervisory authority over CL&P. The State of Connecticut Utilities Commission is their governing authority.

The Town operates an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate all Greenwich departments and assets in response to storm recovery efforts.

CL&P provides a liaison to the Greenwich Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Town EOC provides input to CL&P on restoration priorities. Overarching priorities communicated by the Town to CL&P

Office of First Selectman (203) 622-7710 Fax (203) 622-3793
Town Hall- 101 Field Point Road – Greenwich, CT 06830
E-Mail: ptesei@greenwichct.org
www.twitter.com/GreenwichFirst

TOWN OF GREENWICH

Peter J. Tesei
First Selectman