Read the agreements in PDF format settling a state Elections Enforcment Commission investigation.

The former Chairman of the Ridgefield Republican Town Committee, and a lawyer who represented a mafia-connected trash hauler, both admit to trying to hide the true source of a campaign contribution.

The two men each agree to pay $2,000 fines to the State Elections Enforcement Commission. That is the largest civil penalty allowed.

Both men are attorneys, and the matter could be refered to the Connecticut Bar Association.

Jack Garamella gave cash to Christopher Leonard, with the understanding that Leonard would donate the money to a political campaign.

The hidden contributions went to current U-S House candidate David Cappiello's State Senate campaign in 2004. Andrews says there is NO indication that Cappiello knew about the improper arrangement.

The State Elections Enforcement Commission says Garamella wanted to conceal his donation, because he was considering running for probate judge as a Democrat, and did not want it known that he donated to the campaign of Cappiello, a Republican.

Commission Director of Legal Affairs Joan Andrews says hiding the true source of a contribution frustrates the purpose of campaign financial disclosure laws.

The state Elections Enforcment Commission found out about the improper donation from the U-S Attorney's office.

The Commission would NOT say how federal prosecutors got the information, but federal officials collected documents from Garamella's office in 2006, apparently as part of an investigation into a mafia-enforced garbage hauling scheme in Southwestern Connecticut. 

Garamella worked on behalf of trash company owner James Gallante.  Gallante has since been convicted of taking part in a price fixing arrangement.