Fired police officer files labor appeal

A fired New Milford police officer is seeking an additional hearing before the state Department of Labor to contest the denial of his unemployment compensation.

The state ruling was based on findings Brant Cadovius, 41, of Sherman extorted money from a teenager who took his wallet three years ago.

Ridgefield attorney Daniel Hunsberger filed an appeal on behalf of Mr. Cadovius, 41.

Mr. Hunsberger asked first for a further evidentiary hearing. If that were to be denied, he said, within the next few weeks, he would file a more detailed written appeal argument.

The town's attorney in this matter, Scott McCarthy, received a copy of the appeal notice last week.

On May 2, associate appeals referee John Vagnini said $2,000 Mr. Cadovius asked teen Taylor Cucchiara, of Southbury, to repay him after taking his wallet was more extortion than restitution.

Mr. Vagnini said Mr. Cadovius used his role as a police officer to coerce Mr. Cucchiara to comply.

Mr. Hunsberger said he thinks Mr. Cadovius deserves the chance to refute those allegations. The former New Milford officer was fired from his job after a department investigation that stemmed from his arrest in the matter.

In November, Mr. Cadovius pleaded guilty under the Alford Doctrine to a single charge of breach of peace. State prosecutors dropped several more serious charges.

Four months later, Mr. Cadovius was given a six-month suspended sentence, with two years of conditions that include no contact with the Cucchiara family.

If allowed to provide further testimony, Mr. Cadovius could clarify Mr. Cucchiara asked how to make the incident "go away," the appeal says.

Since Mr. Cadovius had been allowed to testify during two prior hearings, Mr. McCarthy said he sees no reason a further hearing would be granted.

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