New Haven Register
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A former firefighter was sentenced Friday to serve nine months in prison on a felony attempted bribery charge.
Aaron Brantley, who was convicted on a bribery charge in April, was fired by the Board of Fire Commissioners in May .
The judge sentenced Brantley to one year in prison, suspended after he serves none months.
Brantley was charged in January 2013 with two counts of attempted bribery of a witness related to his Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities complaint against the city, Fire Department, Assistant Chief Patrick Egan and Director of Training Matthew Marcarelli.
Brantley’s three day bench trial before Judge Brian Fischer concluded with a split verdict. Brantley was found guilty on one count and not guilty on the other.
Fire Chief Allyn Wright had recommended to the board that Brantley’s employment be terminated after the felony conviction. Brantley was on paid administrative leave until the trial concluded. His leave then switched to unpaid after the conviction, until he was fired.
Fire Union President Lt. James Kottage has said that the board’s decision will be appealed to the state Labor Board. He also has said the union would file a complaint with the state Freedom of Information Commission and alleged that the board went into executive session without a stated reason.
Brantley’s criminal attorney, Hugh Keefe, previously said there likely would be an appeal for the criminal case.
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