The corruption scandal at New Haven City Hall broke into public view in June and has consumed local government since. But the scandal truly began as soon as John DeStefano took office in 1994, establishing an administration in which cynical patronage would take precedence over the public good. Console lost his city job under the previous mayor for allegedly not working much.
Console faces larceny charges in several towns, accused of forging checks.
Keeps him on the job anyway. The Fuscos pay custodians half of what the city did. DeStefano decides Console shouldn't work for the city anymore. The company takes the money, pays back the taxes, closes shop, falls behind on the loan. The Marcus Law Firm will earn millions.