State panel: Garlasco `initiated legal assault, personal crusade'

Bridgewater resident Robin VonReyn's complaint against New Milford attorney Paul Garlasco has resulted in a strong rebuke of Mr. Garlasco from the Connecticut Judicial Grievance Counsel's Office.

After an initial review, it was determined by a state grievance panel that Mr. Garlasco had "initiated a legal assault" on the privacy of Ms. VonReyn.

According to a Jan. 6 letter from Gail Kotowski, state grievance counsel, it was deemed that Mr. Garlasco has "a personal crusade against the Town Selectman William Stuart."

The letter went on to say that "it is clear" Mr. Garlasco's "motivation against the Town of Bridgewater is personal, due to land use denials" on his personal property in the town."

A formal hearing on the matter is planned for the spring by the Statewide Grievance Committee.

Mr. Garlasco said Monday the findings of the grievance panel merely indicate Ms. Kotowski believes further review of Ms. VonReyn's complaint is required.

"The oversight people want to see if any attorney serving something as powerful as a subpoena against a layperson has acted hastily," Mr. Garlasco said.

"It's about time action is being taken against Mr. Garlasco," Mr. Stuart said. "The guy has been attacking people for so long... they're finally fighting back. People are tired of his antics."

Ms. Von Reyn did not return calls from The Greater New Milford Spectrum seeking comment.

Mr. Garlasco faces the filing in Superior Court of a complaint by the committee that could lead to sanctions, including but not limited to the suspension of his license to practice law in the state or disbarring, according to Statewide Bar Counsel Michael Bowler.

Ms. VonReyn made a complaint to the Grievance Counsel's office after Mr. Garlasco had a subpoena served on her to testify at a state Freedom of Information Commission (FOI) hearing regarding a charitable contribution she had received from a trust in the town of Bridgewater.

Mr. Garlasco had made an FOI request to obtain records from the trust, called the Burnham Fund. He also appeared at Ms. VonReyn's home unannounced and did not identify himself as an attorney, Ms. Kotowki's letter said the complaint asserted.

Mr. Garlasco downplays the letter.

"This probable cause finding means the counsel wants to determine if anyone was injured," he claimed. "I don't know if anyone lost any sleep over this or was hurt. I think it's correct to have a hearing to determine that."

The New Milford attorney said he does not mean to harass anyone and truly believes there have been wrongdoings concerning management of the Burnham Fund.

Bridgewater's selectmen have also filed a complaint with the Judicial Grievance Counsel's office against Mr. Garlasco for harassment. Town attorney Fred Baker claims Mr. Garlasco has a "vendetta" against Mr. Stuart and anyone associated with him.

Mr. Baker said he has heard from the Grievance Counsel's office that the Bridgewater selectmen's complaint may be consolidated with Ms. VonReyn's for an overall hearing on both complaints.

"It is significant that the Grievance Counsel finds there is probable cause for further review," Mr. Baker said.

"Many, many complaints don't get up to the Statewide Grievance Counsel review level," he observed. "This is very serious."