Lawyer: aid required no verification

Associated Press

Updated: Dec 13, 2011 7:13 AM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A lawyer who said he represents more than 10 state employees suspected of fraudulently receiving food stamp benefits after the remnants of Hurricane Irene is asking Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to halt disciplinary hearings.

The Hartford Courant reports that Rich Rochlin says the state needs to order an independent investigation because his clients told him food stamp benefits were distributed without verification. His clients argue that their jobs should not be jeopardized because the program's income limits were not spelled out.

Andrew McDonald, Malloy's chief counsel, said Rochlin's is seeking clients and would not respond.

Malloy announced Monday that nine more state employees have been referred to their department supervisors for disciplinary hearings that could lead to firings and revocation of pensions. That brings the number of employees under suspicion to 24.

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Information from: The Hartford Courant

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