Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CEASAR ANQUILLARE, 88, of Orange, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two years of probation for paying nearly $300,000 in bribes to the former Executive Director of the West Haven Housing Authority in exchange for government contracts and business. ANQUILLARE also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine and $291,033.91 in restitution.

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. Between approximately February 2007 and February 2012, Siwek received approximately $1.5 million in bribes from individuals, including ANQUILLARE, in order to award them business with WHHA and the entities that the housing authority controlled.

Siwek received approximately $290,000 from ANQUILLARE in connection with accounting services that ANQUILLARE’s firm provided to the WHHA.

ANQUILLARE has paid restitution in the amount of $291,033.91.

On April 22, 2015, ANQUILLARE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a program receiving federal funds.

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.

Citizens are encouraged to report corruption to the Connecticut Public Corruption Task Force by calling 203-238-0505.