Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis fled to Greece ahead of his federal corruption sentencing in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The 70-year-old former state official, convicted of bribery and extortion, informed his attorney by phone Wednesday night that he would not return, triggering stopped state pension payments and extradition questions.
The legal odyssey of Konstantinos “Kosta” Diamantis took a sharp turn when the 70-year-old former state official skipped his scheduled appearance in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport. Diamantis was expected to face more than a decade in prison after a jury found him guilty on multiple counts of public corruption, including bribery, extortion, conspiracy, and lying to investigators.
Instead of reporting for his court date, Diamantis contacted his defense counsel, Norman A. Pattis, on Wednesday evening to announce he was already in Greece and indicated he was not returning. Federal prosecutors stated in court that Diamantis took a boat from Florida to the Bahamas before flying to London and eventually making his way to Greece.
Extradition Hurdles and the 1931 Treaty With Greece
As a dual citizen holding a Greek passport, Diamantis sits beyond the immediate reach of U.S. law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan N. Francis told the court that the U.S. Attorney’s office would explore whether it can work through the European Union, of which Greece is a member, to secure his return.
Legal hurdles remain significant. While the United States and Greece signed an extradition treaty in 1931 covering white-collar crimes such as embezzlement and obtaining money by false pretenses, Greece’s Code of Penal Procedure generally protects its citizens from extradition if the individual was Greek when the act was committed. Furthermore, the treaty includes a political-offense exception.
Prior to his departure, Diamantis dispatched a 10-page letter and email to his attorney and a member of the media, arguing that his prosecution was orchestrated by senior officials in Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration. Pattis noted that the writing mirrored rhetoric used in an application Diamantis submitted for a presidential pardon, suggesting the intended audience was likely President Donald Trump.
State Leaders Move to Revoke Pension and Enforce Accountability
Reaction from Connecticut officials was immediate. Gov. Ned Lamont issued a statement condemning the move, calling Diamantis’ flight shameful.
Kosta Diamantis betrayed the public’s trust and needs to be held accountable for his actions. His repeated efforts to skirt justice are shameful.
Gov. Ned Lamont, via CT Mirror
State financial and legal officers moved swiftly against Diamantis’ state retirement benefits. Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced that his office had discontinued the direct deposit of Diamantis’ monthly pension payment. Records show Diamantis received an annual pension of $75,443.76 last year.
Attorney General William Tong stated that his office is reviewing all legal options to fully enforce the law, noting that state statutes require action to revoke or reduce pensions for officials convicted of corruption-related charges.
Rescheduled Sentencing and Political Fallout
U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill rescheduled the sentencing hearing for Sept. 30, indicating that the proceedings will go forward with or without the defendant present. Prosecutors have requested a prison sentence ranging from 10 to 12 years.
The fallout has also reached state politics. Republican gubernatorial nominee Ryan Fazio criticized the Lamont administration over the appointment and oversight of Diamantis, who oversaw the state’s school construction program before his removal in October 2021. Fazio asserted that the situation reflected on the governor’s judgment in entrusting public funds to the former official.
Defense attorney Norman Pattis expressed personal surprise at his client’s decision to flee, noting the immense pressure of facing a lengthy prison term. Sentencing is a remarkably difficult day for people,
Pattis said outside the Bridgeport courthouse, adding that while he could not support taking the law into his own hands, he understood the human weight of the situation.
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