Former Connecticut Budget Director Flees Country, Fights State Pension After Bribery Conviction

Hartford & New Haven, CT, September 18, 2026 —

A former high-ranking Connecticut state official, Kosta Diamantis, who was convicted of bribery and extortion, has reportedly fled the country before his scheduled sentencing. Diamantis is currently engaged in a legal battle to retain his state pension benefits.

State Comptroller Sean Scanlon has confirmed that pension payments to Diamantis have been halted. Scanlon cited a state law and Diamantis’ failure to appear for his sentencing as the basis for stopping the payments. However, Diamantis contends that his pension was terminated without the provision of due process.

Details regarding the specific date Diamantis fled the country or his current location have not been provided. The amount of the pension Diamantis is seeking to retain was also not immediately available.

The conviction of Diamantis on bribery and extortion charges has led to this significant action by the state’s comptroller office. The failure to appear for sentencing typically carries further legal ramifications. The dispute over his pension raises questions about due process and the implications of criminal convictions on public service benefits.

Further information regarding the legal proceedings against Diamantis, including the specifics of his sentencing and the ongoing challenges to his pension, is expected to emerge as the situation develops. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by Susan Raff on www.wfsb.com, see more information here.

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