Former Brockport Mayor Maria “Connie” Castaneda has received a $90,000 settlement stemming from a lawsuit she filed against the Village, Police Chief Daniel Varrenti and Police Lieutenant Mark Cuzzupoli.
Castaneda filed the civil lawsuit seeking fair compensation following her arrest by Brockport Police on criminal charges of official misconduct and falsifying business records. She was accused of illegally renting an apartment in her home to students while she was mayor. The criminal charges were later thrown out by Ogden Town Justice David Murante.
Castaneda has said she felt the charges were politically motivated and in a press release following the settlement stated: “Let the ninety thousand dollar payment tendered to me in response to my federal lawsuit … send a strong message to our elected officials about the need for additional checks and balances against official power – particularly police power.
“Any abuse of official power for private gain is the worst kind of betrayal of the public trust,” she continued, “the kind that chills and stifles free speech and political dissent; the kind that corrupts democracy.”
The Village of Brockport also issued a statement regarding the settlement agreement:
“A primary component of this settlement agreement is that neither the Village, nor Chief or Lieutenant acknowledge, admit or are found to have engaged in any misconduct or wrongdoing as was alleged by Ms. Castaneda. The Village, the Chief and Lieutenant maintain they did not engage in any such misconduct or wrongdoing. The Village Board believes these officers served our community well and deserve our thanks and support.”
The village’s insurance policy will pay for the settlement. “The Village will incur no expense,” the Village’s statement said.
