David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced on Jan. 21 that a federal jury in New Haven has found former Connecticut State Senator Dennis A. Bradley, Jr., guilty of defrauding the state's program for publicly funding political campaigns during his 2018 run for State Senate.
The conviction is significant because it involves misuse of public funds intended to ensure fair and transparent elections. The Citizens’ Election Program (CEP) provides grants to candidates who comply with strict rules about campaign contributions and spending, aiming to prevent undue influence in state politics.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Bradley and others conspired to mislead the Connecticut State Election Enforcement Commission (SEEC), the Citizens’ Election Fund, and the State of Connecticut by providing false information about compliance with election laws and CEP requirements. Prosecutors said Bradley exceeded personal spending limits by using more than $7,000 of his own money on a campaign event at Dolphin’s Cove restaurant in Bridgeport while disguising it as a law firm “Thank You Party.” Contribution cards from donors at this event were altered so none were dated March 15, 2018—the date of the event.
Bradley’s campaign filed disclosure statements omitting details about this event and related expenditures or contributions. In May 2018, he applied for a CEP grant based on these filings; SEEC issued his campaign $84,140 in July after relying on what was later determined to be false information. After winning both primary and general elections that year, an investigation was launched following a citizen complaint regarding these actions.
During SEEC’s review process for an additional grant application in October 2018, both Bradley's treasurer Jessica Martinez—who has since pleaded guilty—and Bradley himself repeated false statements under oath about their compliance with CEP rules. Ultimately SEEC denied further funding but not before substantial public funds had already been disbursed based on fraudulent representations.
Bradley was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud; each charge carries up to twenty years imprisonment. He is currently released on bond pending sentencing.
