Former New Britain, Connecticut Mayor Erin Stewart has failed to meet multiple deadlines to repay approximately $240,000 in taxpayer funds that she allegedly misused during her 12 years in office. Stewart, 39, suspended her gubernatorial campaign in May following an investigation into the alleged misuse of a New Britain credit card.
The city claims Stewart used the card to benefit herself, her family, and her political campaigns. The total amount owed, as detailed in a letter to Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, now stands at $241,558, encompassing attorneys' fees, taxpayer funds, and tuition reimbursement.
Allegations of Misuse
An investigation conducted by the Crumbie Law Group, hired by Stewart's successor Mayor Bobby Sanchez, found that a significant portion of Stewart's purchases were not related to city business. The law group determined that a "great majority" of $207,076 in purchases were not affiliated with city duties.
Specific allegations include approximately $30,000 used to pay for her master's degree program in public administration at the University of New Haven. Another $22,000 was allegedly spent on personal deliveries to her home, including clothing, makeup, an ice maker, diapers, and baby formula. Additionally, nearly $20,000 was spent on membership fees and expenses at the private social club, the Hartford Club.
Stewart also allegedly used the city-issued card between 2016 and 2025 to purchase items that were then sold in a "moving-out tag sale." The proceeds from these sales were reportedly intended for her charity, the Mayor's Trophy Charity Fund, though the total amount raised and contributed remains unclear. The city also stated that fees for the Mayor's Trophy Charity Fund Golf Tournaments, hosted annually at a city-owned golf course, were waived, violating city policy. Around $6,650 in taxpayer funds were directed into the charity.
Repayment Deadlines
Stewart was presented with three payment deadlines. The first, on July 1, required repayment of $102,294 in attorneys' fees. The second deadline, August 1, was for $107,703 in taxpayer funds. The final deadline, which passed on September 2, was for $31,561 in tuition reimbursements.
Stewart has publicly stated her intention to make full restitution. Mayor Sanchez has emphasized accountability, stating that "taxpayers should not be forced to bear the financial consequences of the actions of former public officials" and that the administration is committed to recovering the funds.
The city has indicated it intends to "pursue all available remedies" should Stewart continue to miss payment deadlines. Stewart, a Republican, served as mayor for 12 years before suspending her gubernatorial campaign to address the claims.