Rell Nominee’s Prosecution of Claim Cost State $725,000

Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Leslie took on the wrong target when he pursued a 2002 Medicaid fraud case against Stamford ophthalmologist Richard Weber.  The case went bad. Leslie was transferred out of the Medicaid fraud unit and sent to New Haven.  The charges against Dr. Weber were dismissed in 2003 after what sounds like considerable maneuvering by the State’s Attorney to placate Dr. Weber.

Dr. Weber, exonerated in the prosecution with that dismissal granted by Judge Christine Keller, refused to be cowed by the authority of the state.  He filed suit in federal court in 2006, naming the Chief State’s Attorney Office and the Department of Social Services as defendants.  Dr. Weber accused state officials who handled the case of engaging in malicious prosecution, racketeering, and civil rights violations.  Some of those counts were dismissed. To prevail, a plaintiff must show a clear abuse of the state’s authority.

Dr. Weber’s was a lollapalooza of a claim. Before the case went to trial, Dr. Weber won a significant $725,000 settlement from the State of Connecticut, but it came with a stipulation that Dr. Weber not seek out the press. That jewel was added at the end of negotiations by the state.

The Courant covered the story when it was raised during the nomination of Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Paul Murray and the filing of Dr. Weber’s suit.

Dr. Weber’s ordeal will require a full airing by the Judiciary Committee.  Committee members might inquire as to whether this matter was fully investigated by the Judicial Selection Commission.

Dr. Weber will testify at the Judiciary Committee hearing on Brian Leslie’s nomination.  It will be a day to remember at the State Capitol.

Brian Leslie did not return a call to his office. The spokesman for the Chief State’s Attorney was unavailable.

UPDATE:  Here’s the settlement agreement compensating Dr. Weber $725,000.00 for the injuries inflicted on his by the State of Connecticut.

Dr. Weber’s Settlement