Case Summary
- Case Type
- Fraud/White Collar
- Location
- Bridgeport, CT, Bridgeport, CT
- Investigating Agency
- CBS News Crime
- Suspect
- Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis
- Suspect Age
- 70
- Charges
- bribery, extortion
- Arrest Status
- Fugitive
- Court Status
- Sentencing rescheduled for Sept. 30
- Case Status
- Active
A former senior Connecticut budget official convicted of federal corruption charges has fled the United States by boat and plane to avoid sentencing, arriving in Greece ahead of a scheduled court hearing in Bridgeport, Connecticut, authorities said Thursday.
Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis, 70, a former Democratic state representative and director of Connecticut's Office of School Construction Grants and Review, was scheduled for sentencing after a federal jury found him guilty on 21 corruption counts.
Incident Overview
According to court reporting and statements from authorities, Diamantis failed to appear for his federal sentencing hearing in Bridgeport after fleeing the country. Federal prosecutors stated that Diamantis traveled by boat from Florida to the Bahamas, where he boarded an airline flight to London before traveling to Greece. Although Diamantis had surrendered his U.S. passport to federal authorities, he obtained and utilized a Greek passport for his international transit.
In an email sent to defense attorney Norman Pattis before fleeing, Diamantis denied wrongdoing and accused state officials of political weaponization. Pattis confirmed that Diamantis called him Wednesday evening to state he was in Greece and would not attend his court sentencing.
Suspect Information
Konstantinos "Kosta" Diamantis, 70, served as a Democratic Connecticut state representative and as director of the state Office of School Construction Grants and Review. Diamantis holds dual citizenship in the United States and Greece. He also faces another pending federal criminal case involving alleged bribery related to an audit of an eye doctor accused of Medicaid fraud.
Investigation
The federal corruption investigation focused on extortion and bribery schemes operating between 2018 and 2021. According to federal prosecutors, Diamantis used his official position to demand and receive cash payments from private contractors in exchange for helping them secure and maintain contracts on state-funded school construction projects.
Evidence Collected
Evidence presented during federal trial proceedings and court filings included:
- Witness testimony detailing cash payments handed to Diamantis inside envelopes at locations including a doughnut shop, a home, and a restaurant restroom.
- Text messages referring to bribe payments using coded terms such as "birthday cards," "pars," and "birdies."
- A 10-page email transmitted by Diamantis to his defense attorney detailing allegations of political unfairness.
- A Greek passport used by Diamantis for travel after surrendering his U.S. passport.
Charges Filed
Diamantis was convicted on 21 federal counts, including:
- Bribery: Involves soliciting, demanding, or accepting items of value to influence official government actions. Under federal law, felony bribery carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison per count, statutory fines, mandatory court assessments, and financial restitution.
- Extortion: Involves obtaining property or money under color of official right through coercion or authority. Federal extortion convictions carry maximum statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison per count along with post-release supervision conditions.
Court Information
Proceedings were conducted in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut in Bridgeport. Following the defendant's flight, the court set a new sentencing date for Sept. 30. Federal prosecutors requested a sentence of 10 to 12 years in prison, while defense filings requested a sentence with no prison time and strict conditions of release.
Statements from Authorities
Following the flight, Connecticut state officials issued public statements condemning the defendant's actions and taking measures to halt his state pension payments.
Gov. Ned Lamont stated: "Kosta Diamantis betrayed the public's trust and needs to be held accountable for his actions. His repeated efforts to skirt justice are shameful. I hope he is apprehended and made to face the music as soon as possible."
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong stated: "His disappearance this morning is a shameful insult to every person in Connecticut and will not deter our efforts to fully protect the state's interest and taxpayer dollars."
Defense attorney Norman Pattis told reporters: "I think that Mr. Diamantis was facing a tough day here today and would have gotten at least four or five years, perhaps 10 to 12. So as a lawyer, I cannot support his decision to take the law into his own hands. But as a fellow human being, I understand why he did what he did." Pattis added: "You've got two choices. Spend the next five years of your senior citizenship or your golden years asking Bubba for permission to stand in line or go to Greece."
Former police Detective Brian Foley told WFSB-TV: "When Uncle Sam gets egg on their face, they dedicate a lot of resources into finding that person. I guarantee that's already happening and he's on every fugitive list in the U.S. and overseas as well, as we should get a line on him."
In his 10-page email to his attorney, Diamantis wrote: "The injustice that has occurred to me and my family by political weaponization is beyond rational belief. I have lost everything that took me an entire lifetime to earn and more."
Public Safety Information
Information regarding fugitives or federal criminal matters can be reported to law enforcement authorities. Individuals with details concerning federal cases may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or notify local law enforcement agencies.
What Happens Next
When a convicted federal defendant fails to appear for sentencing, federal courts typically issue an arrest warrant and declare the individual a fugitive. Federal authorities, including the U.S. Marshals Service, coordinate with international agencies to pursue apprehension and extradition. However, extradition prospects remain uncertain due to Greek judicial precedent regarding Greek nationals. The federal judge will determine further legal steps prior to the rescheduled Sept. 30 hearing.
