HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Three people linked to former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland were indicted following corruption allegations that led to the governor's resignation.
Rowland's former co-chief of staff Peter Ellef, Ellef's son Peter N. Ellef II, and William Tomasso, an officer of a large construction company were named in a 54-page indictment Thursday that listed a series of allegations, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit bribery, extortion and mail fraud, the Hartford Courant reported Friday.
The indictment says "Ellef used the authority of his official positions ... to create an atmosphere of intimidation" that helped Tomasso get state contracts," the Courant said.
Investigators claim a business owned by the Ellef family served as a conduit for thousands of dollars in illegal payoffs. Tomasso's construction business allegedly benefited from Ellef's influence to win state business.
None of those charged admitted wrong-doing. The U.S. attorney's office said the investigation was continuing.
Rowland resigned July 1 putting a halt to impeachment proceedings in the Connecticut Legislature. He was not named in the indictment.
