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, according to a Jan. 21 announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
The case centers on the misuse of public funds intended to support fair and transparent elections through the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP). The verdict highlights concerns about integrity in campaign financing and oversight over candidates’ compliance with election laws.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Bradley and others conspired to deceive the Connecticut State Election Enforcement Commission (SEEC), the Citizens’ Election Fund, and the State of Connecticut by making false statements about Bradley’s adherence to state election law and CEP requirements. Prosecutors said Bradley used more than $7,000 in personal funds—exceeding CEP’s $2,000 limit—to pay for a campaign launch event at Dolphin’s Cove restaurant in Bridgeport but disguised it as a law firm “Thank You Party.” Donor contribution cards from this event were altered so none appeared dated March 15, 2018.
Bradley’s campaign then filed disclosure statements omitting key information about expenditures and contributions related to this event. In May 2018, he applied for a CEP grant using these filings; SEEC awarded his campaign $84,140 based on what was later determined to be false information. Despite winning both primary and general elections that year, further investigation was triggered by a citizen complaint regarding these activities.
In correspondence with SEEC after receiving the grant, Bradley denied holding a political event or collecting donations on March 15. His campaign treasurer Jessica Martinez also made similar false statements under oath when seeking additional CEP funds; SEEC ultimately denied further grants after reviewing their claims.
The jury convicted Bradley of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud—each carrying up to twenty years imprisonment. He is currently released on bond pending sentencing. Martinez pleaded guilty in connection with her role and has been sentenced; another volunteer involved awaits sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.