Incident involving alleged intoxication at Milford restaurant prompts call

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. confirmed Wednesday he has asked the Rev. L. Kenneth Fellenbaum, the chairman of the Board of Police Commissioners, to resign.
Fellenbaum is a longtime friend of Richetelli’s and a community leader.
Richetelli said word has spread in the community about a "situation" that occurred at the Stonebridge Restaurant on Daniel Street three weekends ago involving Fellenbaum.
Richetelli declined to elaborate, but sources said some witnesses at the restaurant allege Fellenbaum appeared to be intoxicated and displayed behavior unbecoming a city official.
Fellenbaum, a Republican, as is Richetelli, admits he became ill at the restaurant, and it led to him receiving a ride home from a police officer who was working a security detail. Part of the episode was videotaped, sources confirmed.
The mayor said Police Chief Keith Mello informed him that the rumors centering on the Stonebridge "situation" do not rise to a criminal nature.
Fellenbaum refuses to resign.
Richetelli said he is now looking into how he might remove Fellenbaum.
"Ken’s done a tremendous amount of good in Milford. Just hearing these things is upsetting to me," Richetelli said.
Fellenbaum, in an interview at his Boys’ & Girls’ Village Inc. office, a Milford based nonprofit that deals with emotionally and physically abused children, said he was "deeply hurt" by the mayor’s request.
Fellenbaum said his 30 years in the public spotlight have given him a thick skin and he expressed surprise that someone didn’t try and smear his name earlier.
"Someone can always say something," Fellenbaum said. "I’m a very visible person, and it goes with the territory. It happens to the best of people."
But Fellenbaum said he was stung by Richetelli’s call for his resignation, especially since it’s based on "rumors."
"No one likes to be judged by rumors, especially someone with 30 years in public service," Fellenbaum said.
He said he simply got ill, and nothing "unlawful or unethical" occurred. He said he won’t resign because, "I didn’t do anything."
Mello said he talked to Fellenbaum, Richetelli and the police officer who drove Fellenbaum home to make sure no crime was committed, and to make sure his officers acted appropriately.
"It is clear (Fellenbaum) became ill after eating and drinking at Stonebridge," Mello said.
Mello said it is "uncommon" for a police officer to drive someone home, but, "it does occur time to time."
Mello said he wanted to make sure the officers handled the situation correctly, and that Fellenbaum did not receive special treatment. He concluded that Fellenbaum did not break any laws, nor did he receive special treatment.
Mello stressed that police commissioners are civilian volunteers appointed by the mayor. He said they are not employed by the Police Department and don’t have power over police officers.
Fellenbaum said Richetelli acted appropriately by asking Mello to investigate his actions, and he was pleased with the findings. Fellenbaum praised Mello’s leadership of the department, which he called "one of the best in the state."
Richetelli said after he was made aware of the "situation" he sought to speak with Fellenbaum because he gives everyone the "benefit of the doubt." Richetelli said he’s always "respected" Fellenbaum.
"I expressed to Ken whether (the rumors) were true or false … it would not be looked upon favorably for the city and the Police Department," Richetelli said.
He said perception of the "situation" had begun to spread in the community and among the police officers.Richetelli said he is hamstrung because he does not have the power to remove Fellenbaum.
Richetelli makes appointments and the aldermen act on them. Recently, Fellenbaum was reappointed to another three-year term.
Richetelli said the town charter states an official can be removed for cause, but is unclear in defining the cause.
Richetelli said he is still researching whether Fellenbaum could be removed for cause, but the charter is unclear about defining cause.
"Does it mean criminal activity or perception?" Richetelli said. "It’s silent on that."
The mayor can make a recommendation, and the aldermen can investigate and then remove the person from office.
Fellenbaum has deep roots in Milford, including 21 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, and the past nine years as executive director of Boys’ & Girls’ Village, a local nonprofit that deals with emotionally and physically abused children.
Fellenbaum has served on the police commission for 16 years, the last four as its chairman. His term does not expire until Dec. 31, 2010.
Fellenbaum has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars, including federal and state funds for his agency, which recently completed a $4 million expansion.
His award gatherings have drawn such heavy hitters as U.S. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, and State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.
Register reporter James Tinley contributed to this story. Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com.