A federal grand jury in New Haven has indicted Peterson Bernadel, 39, of Meriden, on charges related to the theft of government property, according to an April 2 announcement by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Noah Fallon, Acting Investigations Branch Chief for the Federal Protective Service.
The case centers on allegations that Bernadel abused his position as a Computer Systems Administrator at the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut. Authorities say he had access to digital devices such as computers and tablets and was able to alter inventory records. The indictment alleges that Bernadel stole items including iPads, Apple and Dell computers, a Mavic drone, and a Canon digital camera from his workplace before exchanging them for cash at pawn shops. He is also accused of falsifying an inventory record concerning an Apple laptop computer he allegedly stole and pawned.
The indictment was returned on March 24 and charges Bernadel with eight counts of theft of government property—each carrying a maximum sentence of ten years—and one count of falsifying records or information with a maximum sentence of five years.
Bernadel was arrested on April 1 and has been released on a $50,000 bond while awaiting trial. U.S. Attorney Sullivan said: “An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George will prosecute the case.
If convicted on all counts, Bernadel could face significant prison time under federal law.