I'm at the Danbury Superior Courthouse awaiting the court hearing for Bethel First Selectman Robert Burke.
Burke was arrested and charged with 2nd degree harassment stemming from telephone calls he made to an individual in which he had a "personal" relationship with.
The hearing is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM and I will update this post with information as it happens here at the courthouse.
NOTE: THIS IS A LIVE BLOG: Most recent entries will be posted at the top.
12:20: Here's WTNH's 12:00 report on Burke's court appearance.
12:10: WTNH just aired their piece for their 12:00 broadcast. I'll have it posted shortly.
11:45: Almost done with the video. I'll have it posted around 12:30 or so...
11:30: Here's footage of First Selectman being greeted by the media as he and his attorney exit the courthouse.
10:35: With News-Times reporter Dirk Perrefort and the camera operator for WTNH. Since the judge allowed only one photographer and video operator in the courthouse, I felt it was better to allow the mainstream to do their thing and I'll grab their raw footage. Recording the entire video footage now. I'll have to edit portions of the footage (to protect the identity of the victim) so it will take about an hour or so until I post the video/audio.
10:20: Everything is over. Several photographers / camera operators are outside the courthouse taking photos and video of Burke and his attorney.
Walking behind Burke and his attorney attorney Thomas Beecher are Dan Gaita (Burke's treasurer) Bob Crnic (member of Burke's team), and Bill Slifkin (candidate for Selectman who's running along side Burke).
(from lower left to right) Burke campaign treasurer Dan Gaita, campaign member Bob Crnic, and Selectman candidate Bill Slifkin
10:14: Judge Agati schedules the case for Sept 30th.
10:13: Judge Agati grants the order and informs First Selectman Burke that if he violates the protective order, that he could face up to 5 years in jail and a 5,000 fine. Burke informs that he understands the condition of the court order.
10:12: State Attorney Steve Sedensky states that due to the nature of the case, that a protective order be granted for the victim and daughter.
10:10: (inside) Burke's name is called and he approaches the judge with his attorney Thomas Beecher. I think the judge hearing the case is Salvatore Agati. Prosecutor is State Attorney Steve Sedensky
10:00: Court started. Since all cell phones are to be turned off, I'm not able to love blog during the arraingment. I will write down what happens and update the site after everything is over. NOTE: posts with the label (inside) are entires I wrote down while the cell phone was off.
9:57: Court is almost in session. People are cling into the chambers.
9:45: Inside the chambers now...sitting next to cameraman for WTNH.
9:30: Asked Burke if he would be making a statement to the press after the hearing. Reaffirmed that he'd be pleading innocent
9:20: Outside the chambers. Burke, his treasurer Dan Gaita, and Selectman candidate Bill Slifkin are here. Checking to see if channel 8 got permission to videotape in the chambers.
9:00 Here's a view of the courthouse...note that WTNH is here.
8:50: Here's a copy of the arrest warrant:
8:45: From my post on August 24th, here's how the arrest of the First Selectman played out on television:
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