FAIRFIELD, CT — Connecticut State Police said in a statement Friday that there were “no compromised entry points” at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield, where election equipment and ballot were stored.
The statement is in reference to a Thursday night announcement by Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras that the department opened an investigation on Thursday into a possible break-in at facility, days before a recount is scheduled in the First Selectman’s race.
Democrat Bill Gerber holds a 42-vote edge over incumbent Republican First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick following Tuesday’s election, a margin close enough to trigger the recount.
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, state and local officials are scheduled to conduct the recount, which will not only include the recounting of ballots in the First Selectman’s race, but also for District 2 of the Representative Town Meeting, and for Constables.
“On 11/09/2023, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Detectives from the Western District Major Crimes Squad were requested by the Bridgeport State’s Attorney to investigate a reported suspicious incident at a building located at 100 Mona Terrace in Fairfield,” state police said. “This property is owned by the town and contained the physical ballots for the municipal election which occurred on 11/7/2023. The ballots were being stored in anticipation of a recount, scheduled to be conducted by state officials on 11/14/2023. Damage to a rear window screen at the property was reported and was believed to be the result of a possible burglary.”
Find out what's happening in Fairfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After “conducting a thorough on-scene investigation,” detectives determined that “there were no compromised entry points into the building, and that the damage to the window screen did not appear to be the result of criminal activity.”
On Friday, Kalamaras issued an updated statement, reiterating the findings from state police:
“I’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude for the swift response and thorough investigation conducted by the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut State Police. Their commitment to ensuring the integrity of our electoral process is commendable.
“Following a comprehensive investigation, Connecticut State Police have determined that there were no compromised entry points to the Mona Terrace building. Their findings indicate no evidence of criminal activity related to the reported incident.
“As highlighted in my Election Day statement, Fairfield has a strong history of well-organized
and secure elections. The collaborative efforts of our local and state law enforcement, as well as
the involvement of elected officials, Registrars of Voters, and the State’s Attorney’s office,
underscore our commitment to transparency and the safeguarding of our democratic principles.
“We extend our appreciation to all those involved in this process and look forward to continuing
our tradition of fair and secure elections in Fairfield.”
In his Thursday statement, Kalamaras said that once he was notified of the possible break-in, he “made the decision to immediately notify the State’s Attorney Office for the Judicial District of Fairfield, to inform them of the matter and to request the assistance of their office.”
Fairfield Police Lt. Edward Nook Jr. told Patch that Kalamaras was initially notified of the incident at about 3 p.m. on Thursday.
State police said that the State Elections Enforcement Commission was notified of the incident, and that “elected local officials, Registrars of Voters, members of the Fairfield Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s office were present at the scene during the investigation.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.