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 highlights concerns about integrity and compliance in publicly funded election programs designed to promote transparency and fairness in campaign financing.
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 misrepresenting compliance with state election law and requirements under the Citizens’ Election Program (CEP). The CEP is a voluntary public financing program where candidates can apply for grants from SEEC to fund their campaigns. Prosecutors said Bradley violated CEP rules during his campaign launch event at Dolphin’s Cove restaurant in Bridgeport by exceeding personal spending limits and then disguising the event as a “Thank You Party” for his law firm.
Although CEP rules capped personal expenditures at $2,000, Bradley spent more than $7,000 on expenses including an open bar, food, entertainment, and invitations. To hide this from SEEC, he and co-conspirators altered contribution records so none were dated March 15, 2018—the date of the event—despite donors contributing that night. In subsequent filings with SEEC between April and June 2018, Bradley’s campaign omitted details about the event’s expenses and misrepresented donation dates.
On May 24, 2018 Bradley applied for a CEP grant using these false disclosures; on July 10 SEEC awarded his campaign $84,140 in public funds based on those filings. After winning both primary and general elections that year—while continuing to deny any wrongdoing before SEEC—Bradley was later investigated following a citizen complaint about his conduct.
The jury found him 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 remains free on bond pending sentencing. Co-defendants Jessica Martinez (his treasurer) pleaded guilty previously while another volunteer awaits sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
