West Haven Man Admits to Bribing Former Executive of the West Haven Housing Authority

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CEASAR ANQUILLARE, 87, of West Haven, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to paying nearly $300,000 in bribes to the former Executive Director of the West Haven Housing Authority in exchange for government contracts and business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael Siwek was the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority (“WHHA”), an agency that received federal funding.  As parties of his duties, Siwek had substantial discretion over awarding WHHA business and contracts.  From about February of 2007 through February of 2012, Siwek knowingly received bribes from individuals, including ANQUILLARE, in order to award them business with WHHA and the entities that the housing authority controlled.  SIWEK received approximately $1.5 million in bribes, with about $290,000 coming from ANQUILLARE in connection with accounting services that ANQUILLARE’s firm provided to the WHHA.

ANQUILLARE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.  Judge Shea has scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2015.  As part of his plea, ANQUILLARE has agreed to restitution in the amount of $ 291,033.91.

On September 4, 2014, Siwek pleaded guilty to related charges and awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Daly stated that the investigation is ongoing.

This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Karwan.