Steven Santucci, a Newtown Police sergeant, was arrested for illegal distribution of steroid and prescription drugs. Photo: Contributed Photo, The Newtown Bee
NEWTOWN – The town’s Board of Police Commissioners released a statement Wednesday morning describing the drug trafficking accusations against a Newtown police sergeant and a civilian dispatcher as “totally unacceptable” and “highly disturbing.”
The five commissioners also promised to take action to prevent police misconduct in Newtown.
“The citizenry of Newtown can rest assured that we, as elected representatives of the people, will conduct a comprehensive examination of police department procedures that may have enabled this conduct to go undetected,” the statement said.
A federal grand jury last week indicted former Newtown Police Sgt. Steven Santucci and seven other Connecticut men accused of distributing steroids and prescription drugs.
Authorities said the Waterbury resident received shipments of steroids and related materials from China since 2011 and had been manufacturing and distributing large quantities of steroids, oxycodone, Xanax and counterfeit Cialis.
Newtown civilian dispatcher Jason Chickos, of Bridgeport, was one of Santucci’s key redistributors, according to court records. Santucci resigned and Chickos has been on leave.
As part of commissioners’ review process, the panel will begin scrutinizing supervisory responsibilities within the police department, from the top down, and examining the drug testing policies used within the department for detection of controlled substances.
“The board reminds all citizens that the alleged criminal acts of these two individuals do not and should not cast a shadow of disrespect on the fine record of accomplishment and dedication to service and duty of the devoted men and women of our police agency,” the statement said.