More charges filed against East Lyme police chief – NBC Connecticut

State police have filed additional charges against the East Lyme police chief.

The new charges come after state police arrested 53-year-old East Lyme Police Chief Michael Finkelstein on June 5 after investigating a report of a domestic dispute at his East Lyme home.

The two other arrest warrants were served on him in court on Monday and he was handed over to the bailiffs for arraignment.

An arrest warrant alleges violation of a restraining order and perjury.

During the investigation into the June 5 charges, detectives asked Finkelstein if he owned any weapons and told them that the department-issued firearm was his only firearm, the arrest warrant states.

He then signed a weapons and ammunition compliance statement in which he stated that he did not own any firearms or ammunition, the arrest warrant states.

But then state police learned that two firearms were registered to him.

When they asked Finkelstein what had happened to them, he replied, “I don’t remember” and, “Yes, all I have is my service weapon,” the arrest warrant states.

In a written statement, Finkelstein told investigators that he had transferred one of his weapons to a former colleague, but he had not filled out any transfer paperwork.

He then said he did not know where the other gun was, but then he realized it was in a gun case in his garage, the arrest warrant states.

The other warrant contains a charge of disorderly conduct that was filed after state police investigated a 2023 complaint.

On June 12, New London Superior Court ordered state police to reinvestigate a report of a domestic altercation on June 18, 2023, in which Finkelstein was allegedly involved.

Finklestein was initially charged with disorderly conduct and second-degree breach of the peace.

After his arrest on June 5, he was placed on leave.

Finkelstein made no comment as he left court on Monday.

His attorney said Finkelstein was suffering from stress and asked the judge to allow him to undergo alcohol treatment out of state, which the judge granted.

“I am confident that he will fully cooperate with treatment and any conditions set by the court,” said attorney John Nazzaro. “Provided he meets all conditions, the charges can be dropped.”

The judge said he wanted Finkelstein to attend domestic violence counseling.

Finkelstein’s next court date is July 29.