Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Admitted pedophile was Toth's Partner
Carlo Dominic Fabbozzi admitted in open court that he molested myself, (Michael Powel), and also next oldest sibling brother Luke Powel while he was treasurer with Stephen (Skipper) Toth at Toth Brothers Transportation. He remarked how he use to bus the handicap kids around. Here is a newspaper article stating to the fact of the civil case in which it took the jury LESS than a hour to award me my victory. To date Mr. Fabbozzi has not given me a dime of my reward while he live's in a high rise in a beautiful area of Bridgeport, CT. U.S.A. and he was a REBULICAN COUNCILMAN for a number of years. TOTH WAS ALSO A REBULICAN.
Suit adds diocese to sex claims
By DANIEL TEPFER
BRIDGEPORT
A former city resident, who last year won a $10.9 million judgment against a former landscaper he claims sexually abused him at St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull more than 30 years ago, sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport Thursday. >In the lawsuit, filed in Superior Court, Michael Powel claims the diocese was negligent in failing to prevent the landscaper, Carlo Fabbozzi, from sexually abusing him. >The suit also claims that Fabbozzi, after abusing Powel, turned him over to the Rev. Joseph Gorecki, who also abused Powel. >"There is no question that he [Fabbozzi] was a diocese employee and I have evidence to support that," said Powel's lawyer, Helen McGonigle. "Fabbozzi was an usher in the church, he was director of CYO [Catholic Youth Organization], he was intimately involved with the parish." >As to the claim of abuse by the priest, McGonigle said Powel had memories of being abused by a priest at St. Theresa's Church, but it was only after doing some research that he realized Gorecki had abused him. >But diocese lawyer James Stapleton said diocese officials have talked to Powel in the past about his claims of abuse and don't find his claim against Gorecki credible. >"He has given two or three different names of priests he thought had molested him and we just don't find him credible, and we are going to contest his claim," Stapleton said. >In 2003 the diocese agreed to pay settlements to six people who claimed to have been abused by Gorecki in the 1960s and '70s. Gorecki died in 1988. >As to Fabbozzi, Stapleton said the diocese maintains he was not an employee of the diocese and therefore it is not responsible for his actions. "He was a gardener who had a lot of clients and the church was one of them," he said. >Last July, following a trial that Fabbozzi, 78, did not attend and was not represented at, a Superior Court jury found in favor of Powel, who now lives in Florida, and awarded him $5 million. A judge later increased the award to $10.9 million. But Fabbozzi claims to be destitute and has not paid Powel a dime. >Powel, 48, who grew up in Bridgeport, claims he was sexually abused by Fabbozzi in the late 1960s and early 1970s at St. Theresa's Parish in Trumbull and at his home. At the time Fabbozzi worked as a landscaper at the church and is alleged to have employed young children, including Powel, whom he allegedly abused. >Fabbozzi, who later worked as a janitor at the church, was fired by the Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocese in April 2002, after Powel's allegations became public. >The lawsuit claims Fabbozzi introduced the then 12-year-old Powel to Gorecki, who sexually assaulted Powel in the boys' bathroom at St. Theresa's school in the winter of 1971. >Powel also has a pending lawsuit claiming a priest in Missouri abused him, and he says he was abused by the late Skipper Toth, a well-known Easton school bus driver and Boy Scout leader. >Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6308.
Saturday, May 25, 2002 - 8:37:58 AM MST
Diocese sacks janitor, 76, over sex abuse claimsBy DANIEL TEPFER dtepfer@ctpost.com BRIDGEPORT
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport last month fired a janitor at St. Theresa's parish in Trumbull who had been accused of sexually assaulting a boy in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In response to an inquiry from the Connecticut Post, Diocese spokesman Joseph McAleer acknowledged Friday that Carlo Fabbozzi, who worked as a night janitor and landscaper at the church, was fired after officials received the abuse complaint from a 43-year-old Florida man.
Michael Powel told the Post that Fabbozzi sexually assaulted him on numerous occasions in a garage next to the Trumbull church and at Powel's house.
Reached at his Bridgeport home, Fabbozzi, 76, denied the allegations.
"This guy is fabricating this. I had nothing to do with him, I was busy working all the time, I didn't have time to do what he said I did, he said.
McAleer stressed that the alleged abuse of Powel actually occurred before Fabbozzi worked at St. Theresa's parish. But Fabbozzi has been banned from working again for the diocese, he said.
In addition, McAleer said the diocese has reported Powel's claim to the state Department of Children and Families and it will hold a meeting Wednesday between the Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team and parishioners at the church.
Powel, who said he is dying of brain cancer, decided to go public with his allegation.
"For me it's just a matter of time. I'd like to have some peace before I go, he said. "I wake up every night with a nightmare about what he did to me.
After the diocese fired Fabbozzi based on Powel's April complaint, Powel and his lawyer, Helen McGonigle, of Newtown, met with Bishop William Lori and the diocese's lawyer, Michael Dolan, on May 15 at the Catholic Center.
"I laid it all out to him, Powel said. He said the assaults began when he was 9 and a Boy Scout with a troop based at the church. He said Fabbozzi was a scoutmaster.
During the meeting, Dolan acknowledged that Powel appeared credible, McGonigle said. "The question in his mind was how was the church responsible, she said.
McGonigle said she questions the diocese's timetable as to when Fabbozzi was working at the church.
"They are saying if he was doing this in the late 1960s, he wasn't working for us, but they have given me no evidence of when he was working [there].
McAleer said in 1971, several parishes contracted Fabbozzi to mow their lawns and do general maintenance work. From 1981 to 1986, he was St. Theresa's general maintenance worker.
In 1986 he left to pursue other work. In 1997, he was hired as St. Theresa's night janitor.
"The Diocese of Bridgeport will cooperate fully with authorities in any investigation involving Mr. Fabbozzi, he said.
Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6308
Diocese sacks janitor, 76, over sex abuse claimsBy DANIEL TEPFER dtepfer@ctpost.com BRIDGEPORT
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport last month fired a janitor at St. Theresa's parish in Trumbull who had been accused of sexually assaulting a boy in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In response to an inquiry from the Connecticut Post, Diocese spokesman Joseph McAleer acknowledged Friday that Carlo Fabbozzi, who worked as a night janitor and landscaper at the church, was fired after officials received the abuse complaint from a 43-year-old Florida man.
Michael Powel told the Post that Fabbozzi sexually assaulted him on numerous occasions in a garage next to the Trumbull church and at Powel's house.
Reached at his Bridgeport home, Fabbozzi, 76, denied the allegations.
"This guy is fabricating this. I had nothing to do with him, I was busy working all the time, I didn't have time to do what he said I did, he said.
McAleer stressed that the alleged abuse of Powel actually occurred before Fabbozzi worked at St. Theresa's parish. But Fabbozzi has been banned from working again for the diocese, he said.
In addition, McAleer said the diocese has reported Powel's claim to the state Department of Children and Families and it will hold a meeting Wednesday between the Catholic Charities Emergency Response Team and parishioners at the church.
Powel, who said he is dying of brain cancer, decided to go public with his allegation.
"For me it's just a matter of time. I'd like to have some peace before I go, he said. "I wake up every night with a nightmare about what he did to me.
After the diocese fired Fabbozzi based on Powel's April complaint, Powel and his lawyer, Helen McGonigle, of Newtown, met with Bishop William Lori and the diocese's lawyer, Michael Dolan, on May 15 at the Catholic Center.
"I laid it all out to him, Powel said. He said the assaults began when he was 9 and a Boy Scout with a troop based at the church. He said Fabbozzi was a scoutmaster.
During the meeting, Dolan acknowledged that Powel appeared credible, McGonigle said. "The question in his mind was how was the church responsible, she said.
McGonigle said she questions the diocese's timetable as to when Fabbozzi was working at the church.
"They are saying if he was doing this in the late 1960s, he wasn't working for us, but they have given me no evidence of when he was working [there].
McAleer said in 1971, several parishes contracted Fabbozzi to mow their lawns and do general maintenance work. From 1981 to 1986, he was St. Theresa's general maintenance worker.
In 1986 he left to pursue other work. In 1997, he was hired as St. Theresa's night janitor.
"The Diocese of Bridgeport will cooperate fully with authorities in any investigation involving Mr. Fabbozzi, he said.
Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6308
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Another Editor ways in on changing Toth Park name
Here is another Editor for the Easton Courier Newspaper seeing the obvious reality of Toth Park name being changed to set a good example for future generations
Bid to rename Toth Park continues
LARISSA LYTWYN, Editor
August 03, 2006
Plagued with severe health problems, Michael Powel still is fighting to convince town leaders to change the name of Toth Park.
"Leaving the name the way it is gives credence to what [Stephen] 'Skipper' Toth was: a pedophile," Powel told the Courier Monday.
Powel, 48, a Florida resident, is one of at least five men who allege Toth, now deceased, molested them in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Two years ago, after hearing from Powel and the other men, the Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department officials agreed at a joint meeting to leave the name as it is."The first time Powel came to us [in 2001], we didn't think he had enough evidence to support his case," said First Selectman William Kupinse earlier this week. "When he came to us again, he had more information to provide."Kupinse said the selectmen also heard testimony from the four other alleged victims.One of those alleged victims is retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert, who also resides in Florida and has continued to speak against the park name. He said Toth tried to tie him down after luring him home.In addition, a Vermont man wrote to Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle, in 2004 that Toth molested him while driving him home from scout meetings. McGonigle also received testimony from an attorney in Louisiana who grew up in Easton. That man recounted an incident involving him and a friend in the late 1960s at Toth's home, during which Toth allegedly tried to grab them and stuck his hand down the friend's pants. A Florida woman wrote McGonigle that she worked for Toth in his office when she was 15 and 16 years old. She said Toth threatened to tickle her and tie her up.However, Kupinse said town officials also heard positive things about Toth from his supporters, "who were friends who had known him while he was active in the community."Originally known as Easton Park, the site was renamed after Toth died in 1985 to honor his volunteer work in town with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Department. Toth owned a bus company, Toth Transportation, and never married."Toth Park was named for somebody who did a lot of good for the community," Kupinse said. "[Toth] wasn't there to defend himself against [Powel's] allegations."Powel, who has a brain tumor, first reported the alleged sexual molestation in 2000.A former truck driver, Powel said a trip through Connecticut in early 2000 sparked a number of disturbing flashbacks. "I had repressed those memories for years," Powel said."What [Powel] has been through is unconscionable," said McGonigle.Powel grew up in a large Irish-Catholic household in Bridgeport. His father left the family when Powel was three. "It was a difficult time," McGonigle said. "These [pedophiles] sense the vulnerability."After Powel's memories resurfaced, his first marriage suffered. Powel has since remarried and has two daughters from his first marriage."This experience has taken a major toll on my life, and my health," Powel said. "I don't care about money. I just don't think it's right to have a park kids play in named after a sexual predator."Powel said there was at least one incident in which Toth molested him in what is now Toth Park.Lawsuits underwayPowel said Toth was not the only man who molested him when he was a child and young teen.He won a $10.9 million judgment last July against Carlo Fabbozzi, 78, a former business partner of Toth's. Though the Bridgeport Superior Court jury awarded Powel $5 million, a judge later increased that amount. Fabbozzi did not return calls seeking comment.McGonigle said Fabbozzi doesn't have the full amount the judge approved. No matter, said Powel."It's never been about the money," he said. "It's about what's right."On June 15, Powel filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport."Fabbozzi was a gardener who had a lot of clients, including St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull," McGonigle said. "Fabbozzi was an usher in that church. He was very involved with that parish." Diocese lawyer James Stapleton did not return calls for comment by deadline.At the time Fabbozzi worked at the church, he hired many young employees, including Powel, who was 9 at the time. "[Powel] was injured on the job once while handling lawn equipment," McGonigle said. "We believe the church had fiduciary responsibility. It did not protect [Powel]."In addition, Fabbozzi allegedly introduced a then-12-year-old Powel to the Rev. Joseph Gorecki. Powel said Gorecki sexually assaulted him once in the boy's bathroom at St. Theresa's school in the winter of 1971.In 2003 the diocese agreed to pay settlements to six people who claimed Gorecki abused them in the 1960s and 1970s. Gorecki died in 1988. The Bridgeport Diocese fired Fabbozzi as janitor at St. Theresa's in 2002, after Powel's allegations became public.Diocese attorney James Stapleton did not return calls for comments by deadline.McGonigle said Powel also has a case going to trial involving Brother John Woulfe and the Rev. William Christiansen. Woulfe and Christiansen were instructors at the Chaminade College Prepatory School in Missouri. Powel said both men abused him while he attended the school from 1973 to 1975. Powel is suing Chaminade, Woulfe, Christiansen and Marianist Province, a Catholic religious order that sponsors the school."We anticipate going to trial in the fall," McGonigle said. In the meantime, Powel said he hopes Easton's Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department will reassess their earlier ruling."I'll be fighting this till I die," he said.
©Easton Courier 2008
Bid to rename Toth Park continues
LARISSA LYTWYN, Editor
August 03, 2006
Plagued with severe health problems, Michael Powel still is fighting to convince town leaders to change the name of Toth Park.
"Leaving the name the way it is gives credence to what [Stephen] 'Skipper' Toth was: a pedophile," Powel told the Courier Monday.
Powel, 48, a Florida resident, is one of at least five men who allege Toth, now deceased, molested them in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Two years ago, after hearing from Powel and the other men, the Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department officials agreed at a joint meeting to leave the name as it is."The first time Powel came to us [in 2001], we didn't think he had enough evidence to support his case," said First Selectman William Kupinse earlier this week. "When he came to us again, he had more information to provide."Kupinse said the selectmen also heard testimony from the four other alleged victims.One of those alleged victims is retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert, who also resides in Florida and has continued to speak against the park name. He said Toth tried to tie him down after luring him home.In addition, a Vermont man wrote to Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle, in 2004 that Toth molested him while driving him home from scout meetings. McGonigle also received testimony from an attorney in Louisiana who grew up in Easton. That man recounted an incident involving him and a friend in the late 1960s at Toth's home, during which Toth allegedly tried to grab them and stuck his hand down the friend's pants. A Florida woman wrote McGonigle that she worked for Toth in his office when she was 15 and 16 years old. She said Toth threatened to tickle her and tie her up.However, Kupinse said town officials also heard positive things about Toth from his supporters, "who were friends who had known him while he was active in the community."Originally known as Easton Park, the site was renamed after Toth died in 1985 to honor his volunteer work in town with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Department. Toth owned a bus company, Toth Transportation, and never married."Toth Park was named for somebody who did a lot of good for the community," Kupinse said. "[Toth] wasn't there to defend himself against [Powel's] allegations."Powel, who has a brain tumor, first reported the alleged sexual molestation in 2000.A former truck driver, Powel said a trip through Connecticut in early 2000 sparked a number of disturbing flashbacks. "I had repressed those memories for years," Powel said."What [Powel] has been through is unconscionable," said McGonigle.Powel grew up in a large Irish-Catholic household in Bridgeport. His father left the family when Powel was three. "It was a difficult time," McGonigle said. "These [pedophiles] sense the vulnerability."After Powel's memories resurfaced, his first marriage suffered. Powel has since remarried and has two daughters from his first marriage."This experience has taken a major toll on my life, and my health," Powel said. "I don't care about money. I just don't think it's right to have a park kids play in named after a sexual predator."Powel said there was at least one incident in which Toth molested him in what is now Toth Park.Lawsuits underwayPowel said Toth was not the only man who molested him when he was a child and young teen.He won a $10.9 million judgment last July against Carlo Fabbozzi, 78, a former business partner of Toth's. Though the Bridgeport Superior Court jury awarded Powel $5 million, a judge later increased that amount. Fabbozzi did not return calls seeking comment.McGonigle said Fabbozzi doesn't have the full amount the judge approved. No matter, said Powel."It's never been about the money," he said. "It's about what's right."On June 15, Powel filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport."Fabbozzi was a gardener who had a lot of clients, including St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull," McGonigle said. "Fabbozzi was an usher in that church. He was very involved with that parish." Diocese lawyer James Stapleton did not return calls for comment by deadline.At the time Fabbozzi worked at the church, he hired many young employees, including Powel, who was 9 at the time. "[Powel] was injured on the job once while handling lawn equipment," McGonigle said. "We believe the church had fiduciary responsibility. It did not protect [Powel]."In addition, Fabbozzi allegedly introduced a then-12-year-old Powel to the Rev. Joseph Gorecki. Powel said Gorecki sexually assaulted him once in the boy's bathroom at St. Theresa's school in the winter of 1971.In 2003 the diocese agreed to pay settlements to six people who claimed Gorecki abused them in the 1960s and 1970s. Gorecki died in 1988. The Bridgeport Diocese fired Fabbozzi as janitor at St. Theresa's in 2002, after Powel's allegations became public.Diocese attorney James Stapleton did not return calls for comments by deadline.McGonigle said Powel also has a case going to trial involving Brother John Woulfe and the Rev. William Christiansen. Woulfe and Christiansen were instructors at the Chaminade College Prepatory School in Missouri. Powel said both men abused him while he attended the school from 1973 to 1975. Powel is suing Chaminade, Woulfe, Christiansen and Marianist Province, a Catholic religious order that sponsors the school."We anticipate going to trial in the fall," McGonigle said. In the meantime, Powel said he hopes Easton's Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department will reassess their earlier ruling."I'll be fighting this till I die," he said.
©Easton Courier 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Another Editor for Easton Courier supports Parks Name change
Here is a another editor for Easton Courier agreeing with the bad example that The Easton Town Officials have given to the children of the future.
Rename Toth Park
Editorial Board
August 10, 2006
We were saddened to recount the latest news of Michael Powel's life effort to change the name of Toth Park last week.
The former Easton resident is one of at least five individuals who allege Stephen "Skipper" Toth, now deceased, molested them in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Toth was known to be a philanthropist in town - that's why former town leaders changed the name of Easton Park to Toth Park when he died in 1985. It must have seemed like an obvious move, considering Toth's volunteer work with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Department.Two years ago, after hearing testimony from Powel and others, the Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department officials agreed at a joint meeting to leave the name as it is. We disagreed with that decision then, and our opposition is just as strong today.First Selectman William Kupinse said a major reason he didn't feel comfortable changing the park's name was that Toth wasn't alive to defend himself. In addition, Kupinse said town officials also heard positive things about Toth from his supporters.Nevertheless, those five who say they suffered humiliation and pain at Toth's hands have been very convincing, and their accounts share similarities even though they come from diverse backgrounds. Since they now live all over the country, we doubt they corroborated their stories before going through the further humiliation and emotional pain of telling the selectmen about their alleged abuse. And what possible motive could they have for making up such a terrible thing?Toth is long dead; he can't experience pain or embarrassment. Since he never married and had no children, there is no one still in town who could be hurt if the park's name is changed. Yet these five people who allege he abused them are still alive and still feeling the pain. The Board of Selectmen should consider their circumstances and once again name the place Easton Park.
©Easton Courier 2008
Rename Toth Park
Editorial Board
August 10, 2006
We were saddened to recount the latest news of Michael Powel's life effort to change the name of Toth Park last week.
The former Easton resident is one of at least five individuals who allege Stephen "Skipper" Toth, now deceased, molested them in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Toth was known to be a philanthropist in town - that's why former town leaders changed the name of Easton Park to Toth Park when he died in 1985. It must have seemed like an obvious move, considering Toth's volunteer work with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Department.Two years ago, after hearing testimony from Powel and others, the Board of Selectmen and Parks and Recreation Department officials agreed at a joint meeting to leave the name as it is. We disagreed with that decision then, and our opposition is just as strong today.First Selectman William Kupinse said a major reason he didn't feel comfortable changing the park's name was that Toth wasn't alive to defend himself. In addition, Kupinse said town officials also heard positive things about Toth from his supporters.Nevertheless, those five who say they suffered humiliation and pain at Toth's hands have been very convincing, and their accounts share similarities even though they come from diverse backgrounds. Since they now live all over the country, we doubt they corroborated their stories before going through the further humiliation and emotional pain of telling the selectmen about their alleged abuse. And what possible motive could they have for making up such a terrible thing?Toth is long dead; he can't experience pain or embarrassment. Since he never married and had no children, there is no one still in town who could be hurt if the park's name is changed. Yet these five people who allege he abused them are still alive and still feeling the pain. The Board of Selectmen should consider their circumstances and once again name the place Easton Park.
©Easton Courier 2008
WHAT ARE THE EASTON TOWN OFFICIALS THINKING
ANOTHER CLOSED EXECUTIVE MEETING BY THE TOWN OFFICIALS THE SAME RESULTS. WHAT A BAD MESSAGE TO SEND TO CHILDREN WHO COME FORWARD.
Rename Toth Park
Editorial Board
October 07, 2004
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Although the Easton Board of Selectmen and the Parks and Recreation Commission have heard testimony from three men and received affidavits from two others stating that the late Stephen P. "Skipper" Toth molested them, they have chosen not to change the name of Toth Park.
The matter came up at a recent joint meeting between the selectmen and the parks commission, which took place in executive session, away from the public. Because of that, no one except those in attendance know exactly what was said or the reason why the two boards decided to deny the request from the five individuals, two of whom chose to step forward publicly, to change the park's name.
The only reason that was given was that the people who decided to honor Toth by renaming Easton Park to Toth Park 20 years ago did not know that Toth allegedly had a "darker side."We can understand why Easton officials chose to name the park after Toth when he died. At the time, people thought he was a good man who deserved the recognition. After all, Toth volunteered many hours with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Commission.However, Florida resident Michael Powel thinks otherwise. He started this issue in 2000 when he first reported his allegations of molestation to Easton police. Since he stepped forward, four other people, including retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert, have backed Powel's allegations and stated Toth also molested them.There's promise in the fact that Easton officials have chosen to leave the issue open. This leads us to think that maybe they believe the allegations against Toth could be true, but since the man is long dead and can no longer defend himself, they want to wait for more evidence.Yet we have to ask, how much more evidence do Easton officials need? At this point, too many people have made claims against Toth to discount them. Because of these allegations, the name Toth Park is forever tainted and all the good works that Toth did for Easton will not outweigh the multiple allegations against him. Easton officials should change the name of the park.
©Easton Courier 2008
Reader Opinions:
Mary Poltrtack
Oct, 12 2004
In my opinion, the fact five(5)individuals have come forward, with no reason to place themselves in a public forum ;than to seek justice for other persons who suffered at the hands of Toth took brave courage and should be evidence enought for the board to take action.
Rename Toth Park
Editorial Board
October 07, 2004
Email to a friend
Voice your opinion
Although the Easton Board of Selectmen and the Parks and Recreation Commission have heard testimony from three men and received affidavits from two others stating that the late Stephen P. "Skipper" Toth molested them, they have chosen not to change the name of Toth Park.
The matter came up at a recent joint meeting between the selectmen and the parks commission, which took place in executive session, away from the public. Because of that, no one except those in attendance know exactly what was said or the reason why the two boards decided to deny the request from the five individuals, two of whom chose to step forward publicly, to change the park's name.
The only reason that was given was that the people who decided to honor Toth by renaming Easton Park to Toth Park 20 years ago did not know that Toth allegedly had a "darker side."We can understand why Easton officials chose to name the park after Toth when he died. At the time, people thought he was a good man who deserved the recognition. After all, Toth volunteered many hours with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Commission.However, Florida resident Michael Powel thinks otherwise. He started this issue in 2000 when he first reported his allegations of molestation to Easton police. Since he stepped forward, four other people, including retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert, have backed Powel's allegations and stated Toth also molested them.There's promise in the fact that Easton officials have chosen to leave the issue open. This leads us to think that maybe they believe the allegations against Toth could be true, but since the man is long dead and can no longer defend himself, they want to wait for more evidence.Yet we have to ask, how much more evidence do Easton officials need? At this point, too many people have made claims against Toth to discount them. Because of these allegations, the name Toth Park is forever tainted and all the good works that Toth did for Easton will not outweigh the multiple allegations against him. Easton officials should change the name of the park.
©Easton Courier 2008
Reader Opinions:
Mary Poltrtack
Oct, 12 2004
In my opinion, the fact five(5)individuals have come forward, with no reason to place themselves in a public forum ;than to seek justice for other persons who suffered at the hands of Toth took brave courage and should be evidence enought for the board to take action.
EASTON TOWN OFFICIALS STILL WON'T BUDGE
ANOTHER WIERD CLOSED EXECUTIVE MEETING IN THE TOWN OF EASTON OFFICIALS HEADQUARTERS RESULTS IN STILL HONORING PEDOPHILE TOTH
Powel: 'I've just begun'Man plans to pursue renaming Toth Park
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
September 01, 2004
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Michael Powel's fight to change the name of Toth Park is not over.
The Florida resident, who alleges that the late Stephen P. "Skipper" Toth molested him years ago, vowed Monday to continue pursuing his efforts to convince town officials to rename the park, even though the Board of Selectmen and the town's Parks and Recreation Commission agreed at a joint meeting last week to leave the name as it is.
"Changing the name of the park is admitting that Stephen Toth is a sexual predator," said Powel, who claims that Toth molested him on several occasions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. "But not renaming the park is setting a bad precedent for the children of Easton."Easton officials maintain that the issue is not over, and they will leave the option in case anyone else wishes to come forward.First Selectman William Kupinse said no new evidence has surfaced since July, and that both boards reached a consensus during the joint meeting Aug. 25 not to rename Toth Park at this time. The joint meeting took place in executive session."We didn't feel in a position to make a decision about the accuracy of the allegations at this time," Kupinse said. "Toth Park had been named for somebody who did a lot of good for the community. Back then, nobody was aware of a possible darker side to him."At this point, we agreed not to rename the park but to leave the issue open in case someone wants to bring it to the board's attention," he said.Selectman Robert Lessler agreed that when Easton officials named the park after Toth 20 years ago, there were no allegations of sexual misconduct involving children against him."The park was named for the good work that Stephen Toth did," Lessler said. "We can't prove or disprove the allegations against him now. However the issue will remain open."Lessler said many residents who knew Toth have written to the selectmen or told them directly that they never had a problem with Toth."That is not inconsistent with what sexual predators do," Lessler said. "They don't molest every child they come in contact with. However, it also doesn't prove or disprove the allegations against Toth."Powel said he has no intention of letting the issue die, although he stopped short of saying that he plans to bring the town to court over it."I have strength in numbers, and I have a lot of people who are willing to stand with me and back me up," Powel said. "One hundred years from now, it's not going to matter how much money I made or what kind of car I drove or what kind of house I live in. But if I helped a child in any way, especially in the subject that we are dealing with, then I have paid my debt to society."Powel said several national organizations are willing to back him up in his efforts to change the park's name. Some of the organizations he cited are: the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Victims Advocacy and Research Group, Mothers Against Sexual Abuse, National Justice for Children, the Marilyn Van DeBerg Institute, Survivors First, SNAP, and Bikers Against Child Abuse."I've just begun to fight," Powel said. "They haven't heard the last from me."The park in question originally was called Easton Park. It was renamed after Toth died in 1985 to honor the volunteer work he did in town with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Toth owned the school bus company, Toth Transportation, never married, and lived on Sport Hill Road.Since Powel first came before town officials with his allegations about Toth, four other individuals have stepped forward. In April, Powel told the Parks and Recreation Commission in a private session that Toth molested him when he was a child. At that same meeting, retired Easton police Lt. Les Eckert recounted an incident when he was a teenager and Toth allegedly tried to tie him up.At the time, Powel asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to change the name of Toth Park back to Easton Park. The commission tabled the request.In May, another man spoke to the Board of Selectmen - again in a private session - about his own allegations of sexual abuse against Toth. The man, a Vermont resident who once lived in Easton, claims that he knew Toth as a bus driver and a Boy Scout leader. He wrote that Toth would drive him home from scout meetings. When he was alone with Toth in the car, he wrote, Toth would pull the car over, put him in a headlock, and push the boy's face into his crotch.In July, Helen McGonigle, Powel's attorney, presented written statements from the two latest accusers at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. One statement was from an attorney in Louisiana who grew up in Easton, recounting an incident involving him and a friend in the late 1960s at Toth's home. The attorney wrote that Toth tried to grab them and allegedly stuck his hand down the other boy's pants.A Florida woman also wrote to McGonigle that she worked for Toth in his office when she was 15 and 16 years old. She said Toth threatened her with tickling and tying her up.Like Powel and Eckert, the other three people have requested that Easton officials take their accounts into consideration and rename the park.Powel, who suffers from a brain tumor, first reported the alleged sexual molestation in 2000. He also is suing Bridgeport resident Carlo D Fabbozzi, a business partner of Toth's, based on accusations that Fabozzi also molested him.A Bridgeport Superior Court judge determined June 2 that Powel produced sufficient evidence to warrant a finding of "probable cause" in his civil case against Fabbozzi. This finding was based upon Powel's testimony, supported by only one other victim of child sexual abuse. The trial is set for March 2005.
©Easton Courier 2008
Powel: 'I've just begun'Man plans to pursue renaming Toth Park
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
September 01, 2004
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Michael Powel's fight to change the name of Toth Park is not over.
The Florida resident, who alleges that the late Stephen P. "Skipper" Toth molested him years ago, vowed Monday to continue pursuing his efforts to convince town officials to rename the park, even though the Board of Selectmen and the town's Parks and Recreation Commission agreed at a joint meeting last week to leave the name as it is.
"Changing the name of the park is admitting that Stephen Toth is a sexual predator," said Powel, who claims that Toth molested him on several occasions in the late 1960s and early 1970s. "But not renaming the park is setting a bad precedent for the children of Easton."Easton officials maintain that the issue is not over, and they will leave the option in case anyone else wishes to come forward.First Selectman William Kupinse said no new evidence has surfaced since July, and that both boards reached a consensus during the joint meeting Aug. 25 not to rename Toth Park at this time. The joint meeting took place in executive session."We didn't feel in a position to make a decision about the accuracy of the allegations at this time," Kupinse said. "Toth Park had been named for somebody who did a lot of good for the community. Back then, nobody was aware of a possible darker side to him."At this point, we agreed not to rename the park but to leave the issue open in case someone wants to bring it to the board's attention," he said.Selectman Robert Lessler agreed that when Easton officials named the park after Toth 20 years ago, there were no allegations of sexual misconduct involving children against him."The park was named for the good work that Stephen Toth did," Lessler said. "We can't prove or disprove the allegations against him now. However the issue will remain open."Lessler said many residents who knew Toth have written to the selectmen or told them directly that they never had a problem with Toth."That is not inconsistent with what sexual predators do," Lessler said. "They don't molest every child they come in contact with. However, it also doesn't prove or disprove the allegations against Toth."Powel said he has no intention of letting the issue die, although he stopped short of saying that he plans to bring the town to court over it."I have strength in numbers, and I have a lot of people who are willing to stand with me and back me up," Powel said. "One hundred years from now, it's not going to matter how much money I made or what kind of car I drove or what kind of house I live in. But if I helped a child in any way, especially in the subject that we are dealing with, then I have paid my debt to society."Powel said several national organizations are willing to back him up in his efforts to change the park's name. Some of the organizations he cited are: the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Victims Advocacy and Research Group, Mothers Against Sexual Abuse, National Justice for Children, the Marilyn Van DeBerg Institute, Survivors First, SNAP, and Bikers Against Child Abuse."I've just begun to fight," Powel said. "They haven't heard the last from me."The park in question originally was called Easton Park. It was renamed after Toth died in 1985 to honor the volunteer work he did in town with the Boy Scouts, Little League, Notre Dame Catholic Church and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Toth owned the school bus company, Toth Transportation, never married, and lived on Sport Hill Road.Since Powel first came before town officials with his allegations about Toth, four other individuals have stepped forward. In April, Powel told the Parks and Recreation Commission in a private session that Toth molested him when he was a child. At that same meeting, retired Easton police Lt. Les Eckert recounted an incident when he was a teenager and Toth allegedly tried to tie him up.At the time, Powel asked the Parks and Recreation Commission to change the name of Toth Park back to Easton Park. The commission tabled the request.In May, another man spoke to the Board of Selectmen - again in a private session - about his own allegations of sexual abuse against Toth. The man, a Vermont resident who once lived in Easton, claims that he knew Toth as a bus driver and a Boy Scout leader. He wrote that Toth would drive him home from scout meetings. When he was alone with Toth in the car, he wrote, Toth would pull the car over, put him in a headlock, and push the boy's face into his crotch.In July, Helen McGonigle, Powel's attorney, presented written statements from the two latest accusers at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. One statement was from an attorney in Louisiana who grew up in Easton, recounting an incident involving him and a friend in the late 1960s at Toth's home. The attorney wrote that Toth tried to grab them and allegedly stuck his hand down the other boy's pants.A Florida woman also wrote to McGonigle that she worked for Toth in his office when she was 15 and 16 years old. She said Toth threatened her with tickling and tying her up.Like Powel and Eckert, the other three people have requested that Easton officials take their accounts into consideration and rename the park.Powel, who suffers from a brain tumor, first reported the alleged sexual molestation in 2000. He also is suing Bridgeport resident Carlo D Fabbozzi, a business partner of Toth's, based on accusations that Fabozzi also molested him.A Bridgeport Superior Court judge determined June 2 that Powel produced sufficient evidence to warrant a finding of "probable cause" in his civil case against Fabbozzi. This finding was based upon Powel's testimony, supported by only one other victim of child sexual abuse. The trial is set for March 2005.
©Easton Courier 2008
Here is the EDITOR OF THE EASTON PAPER VIEW
HERE IS THE EDITOR OF THE EASTON NEWSPAPER AFTER SEEING THE OBSURED WAY THE TOWN'S OFFICIALS ARE TREATING US VICTIMS OPINION
Change the park's name
Editorial Board
July 15, 2004
With five individuals stepping forward to tell Easton officials that the late Stephen "Skipper" Toth molested them or acted inappropriately with them, it's time for those officials to reconsider changing the name of Toth Park.
The park name was changed from Easton Park to Toth Park after Toth died about 20 years ago, to honor a man that everyone thought deserved recognition. That was understandable - Toth had volunteered for years with the Boy Scouts, Little League, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The skepticism that greeted Florida resident Michael Powel when he met with town officials earlier this year with tales of Toth molesting him also was understandable. Though Powel had complained to Easton police about the alleged molestation in 2000, nothing came of it and no one else heard about it.When one person comes forward with an allegation that sounds totally unbelievable, and the person being accused is not alive to defend himself, then people naturally are going to maintain some doubt.But Powel is no longer the only voice. When he came before the Parks and Recreation Commission in April, renewing his allegations that Toth molested him and asking that the commission change the park's name again, a retired Easton police lieutenant was by his side. Les Eckert backed up Powel's allegation, stating that Toth tried to tie him up one afternoon, but he was able to get away.Then a Vermont man, hearing about Powel's story, came to town to tell the Board of Selectman that Toth used to drive him home from Boy Scout meetings and, while they were alone in the car, he would force the boy's face into his crotch.Still town officials hesitated to take action. But this week, Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle, presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with statements from two more people, one of which is a detailed, written allegation about Toth enticing two boys to his home and then trying to molest them.At this point, too many people have made claims against Toth to discount them. Even if town officials decide to leave the name Toth Park, it will be forever tainted. No longer can his legacy be that he was a hard-working volunteer who devoted his time to the children of Easton. Now people who did not know Toth and what he did for Easton will connect his name with someone who sexually molested children. All the good things he did for Easton will not outweigh the multiple allegations against him.Easton officials wanted more information when they first heard from Powel and chose to wait before making a decision about renaming Toth Park. Now they have heard from four more people, and it's time for them to act.
©Easton Courier 2008
Change the park's name
Editorial Board
July 15, 2004
With five individuals stepping forward to tell Easton officials that the late Stephen "Skipper" Toth molested them or acted inappropriately with them, it's time for those officials to reconsider changing the name of Toth Park.
The park name was changed from Easton Park to Toth Park after Toth died about 20 years ago, to honor a man that everyone thought deserved recognition. That was understandable - Toth had volunteered for years with the Boy Scouts, Little League, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The skepticism that greeted Florida resident Michael Powel when he met with town officials earlier this year with tales of Toth molesting him also was understandable. Though Powel had complained to Easton police about the alleged molestation in 2000, nothing came of it and no one else heard about it.When one person comes forward with an allegation that sounds totally unbelievable, and the person being accused is not alive to defend himself, then people naturally are going to maintain some doubt.But Powel is no longer the only voice. When he came before the Parks and Recreation Commission in April, renewing his allegations that Toth molested him and asking that the commission change the park's name again, a retired Easton police lieutenant was by his side. Les Eckert backed up Powel's allegation, stating that Toth tried to tie him up one afternoon, but he was able to get away.Then a Vermont man, hearing about Powel's story, came to town to tell the Board of Selectman that Toth used to drive him home from Boy Scout meetings and, while they were alone in the car, he would force the boy's face into his crotch.Still town officials hesitated to take action. But this week, Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle, presented the Parks and Recreation Commission with statements from two more people, one of which is a detailed, written allegation about Toth enticing two boys to his home and then trying to molest them.At this point, too many people have made claims against Toth to discount them. Even if town officials decide to leave the name Toth Park, it will be forever tainted. No longer can his legacy be that he was a hard-working volunteer who devoted his time to the children of Easton. Now people who did not know Toth and what he did for Easton will connect his name with someone who sexually molested children. All the good things he did for Easton will not outweigh the multiple allegations against him.Easton officials wanted more information when they first heard from Powel and chose to wait before making a decision about renaming Toth Park. Now they have heard from four more people, and it's time for them to act.
©Easton Courier 2008
First Newspaper Article on Toth Park in Easton, CT.
Here is the first newspaper article about changing the name of a park in EASTON, CT. named after a serial violent pedophile. Toth Park in Easton CT.
Man seeks park name change
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
May 06, 2004
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Even though Michael Powel is disappointed that the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission is not changing the name of Toth Park, he plans to press forward.
However, Powel is not sure what that means at this point.
Powel asked park and recreation commissioners Monday to change the name of Toth Park because he claims the late Stephen "Skippy" P. Toth, whom the park is named for, sexually molested him as a child."I am going to continue to fight for children," said Powel, who on Wednesday added he would to talk with his attorney, family and friends before deciding whether to force the name change through legal means. "The worst part is that it is sad for the children to be playing in a park named for [Toth.]"I just don't want another child to live this horrific life that I have. I live with this everyday," he said.The Parks and Recreation Commission met in an executive session to listen to Powel, his attorney Helen McGonigle and retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert tell their stories about Toth and why the park's name should change.The press, residents and Powel's supporters had to leave the meeting, even though Powel asked to be heard publicly.Powel claims that Toth tied him up, blindfolded him, performed sexual acts on him and took photographs of him. Powel, who is now 45 and suffering from brain cancer, said the incidents took places in the late 1960s and early 1970s at Toth's Easton home and in the park.Powel used to work for Toth doing odd jobs around his house, like cleaning and washing windows.The park named for Toth was changed in 1985 after Toth's death. Toth reportedly devoted his time to children by serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission and volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Little League.Powel was a Bridgeport resident at the time when the alleged molestations and said he was age 9 when it began. Powel moved away from Connecticut when he was 15 and now resides in St. Petersburg, Fla.He also alleges that Carlo Fabbozzi, a Bridgeport resident and former groundskeeper for St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull, also molested him. A civil lawsuit Powel filed against Fabbozzi is set to begin May 27 in Bridgeport Superior Court.Powel said he was a cub scout at the time learning to tie knots for a badge when Toth allegedly asked him if he needed help."He was so respected in Scouting that I let him tie me up and blindfold me," Powel said. "That's when it happened and he performed sexual acts on me."I was just a 10-year-old kid. I know I am not the only one," he said.Eckert, who did not meet Powel until Monday night, said he could collaborate Powel's story. Eckert worked for Toth cleaning school buses at the Toth Transportation business. Eckert said Toth led him to a part of his home to an alcove where there a single bed. He alleges that Toth tried to molest him by tying him up."I was older, about 14 years old, so I was able to get away from him," Eckert said. "I was scared but I got away."Eckert said he never liked driving by Toth Park when he was a police officer."The name of that park always sticks in my throat," Eckert said.Clarence "Bud" Jennings, who attended Monday's meeting, said he knew Toth for many years and had a hard time believing Powel's and Eckert's stories."My sons were in his programs and there were never any rumors," Jennings said. "He's not even here to defend himself. I think that this is ridiculous."McGonigle said Powel has repressed his memories and that it wasn't until he was diagnosed and being treated for brain cancer that he began to remember the molestations."Michael reported the incidents and the perpetrators to the proper authorities," McGonigle said. "Now he would like to see the park change its name from Toth Park back to its original name of Easton Park." Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman John Cunningham said this is still an open case."Further evidence is needed," Cunningham said.Powel said he's no surprised how Easton town officials have handled his request."They have listened to me but they are dismissing my story," Powel said.
©Easton Courier 2008
Reader Opinions:
Annie Vitale
May, 20 2004
Mr. Powell & Mr. Eckert are brave men to go before the town and their committees with their allegations. If their stories are true, this town has a moral obligation to immediately remove that name from our children's park. What they claim happened to them is horrific and disgusting and I commend them both for coming forward. Personally, I will never be able to view the park in the same way.
Man seeks park name change
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
May 06, 2004
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Even though Michael Powel is disappointed that the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission is not changing the name of Toth Park, he plans to press forward.
However, Powel is not sure what that means at this point.
Powel asked park and recreation commissioners Monday to change the name of Toth Park because he claims the late Stephen "Skippy" P. Toth, whom the park is named for, sexually molested him as a child."I am going to continue to fight for children," said Powel, who on Wednesday added he would to talk with his attorney, family and friends before deciding whether to force the name change through legal means. "The worst part is that it is sad for the children to be playing in a park named for [Toth.]"I just don't want another child to live this horrific life that I have. I live with this everyday," he said.The Parks and Recreation Commission met in an executive session to listen to Powel, his attorney Helen McGonigle and retired Easton Police Lt. Les Eckert tell their stories about Toth and why the park's name should change.The press, residents and Powel's supporters had to leave the meeting, even though Powel asked to be heard publicly.Powel claims that Toth tied him up, blindfolded him, performed sexual acts on him and took photographs of him. Powel, who is now 45 and suffering from brain cancer, said the incidents took places in the late 1960s and early 1970s at Toth's Easton home and in the park.Powel used to work for Toth doing odd jobs around his house, like cleaning and washing windows.The park named for Toth was changed in 1985 after Toth's death. Toth reportedly devoted his time to children by serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission and volunteering with the Boy Scouts and Little League.Powel was a Bridgeport resident at the time when the alleged molestations and said he was age 9 when it began. Powel moved away from Connecticut when he was 15 and now resides in St. Petersburg, Fla.He also alleges that Carlo Fabbozzi, a Bridgeport resident and former groundskeeper for St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull, also molested him. A civil lawsuit Powel filed against Fabbozzi is set to begin May 27 in Bridgeport Superior Court.Powel said he was a cub scout at the time learning to tie knots for a badge when Toth allegedly asked him if he needed help."He was so respected in Scouting that I let him tie me up and blindfold me," Powel said. "That's when it happened and he performed sexual acts on me."I was just a 10-year-old kid. I know I am not the only one," he said.Eckert, who did not meet Powel until Monday night, said he could collaborate Powel's story. Eckert worked for Toth cleaning school buses at the Toth Transportation business. Eckert said Toth led him to a part of his home to an alcove where there a single bed. He alleges that Toth tried to molest him by tying him up."I was older, about 14 years old, so I was able to get away from him," Eckert said. "I was scared but I got away."Eckert said he never liked driving by Toth Park when he was a police officer."The name of that park always sticks in my throat," Eckert said.Clarence "Bud" Jennings, who attended Monday's meeting, said he knew Toth for many years and had a hard time believing Powel's and Eckert's stories."My sons were in his programs and there were never any rumors," Jennings said. "He's not even here to defend himself. I think that this is ridiculous."McGonigle said Powel has repressed his memories and that it wasn't until he was diagnosed and being treated for brain cancer that he began to remember the molestations."Michael reported the incidents and the perpetrators to the proper authorities," McGonigle said. "Now he would like to see the park change its name from Toth Park back to its original name of Easton Park." Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman John Cunningham said this is still an open case."Further evidence is needed," Cunningham said.Powel said he's no surprised how Easton town officials have handled his request."They have listened to me but they are dismissing my story," Powel said.
©Easton Courier 2008
Reader Opinions:
Annie Vitale
May, 20 2004
Mr. Powell & Mr. Eckert are brave men to go before the town and their committees with their allegations. If their stories are true, this town has a moral obligation to immediately remove that name from our children's park. What they claim happened to them is horrific and disgusting and I commend them both for coming forward. Personally, I will never be able to view the park in the same way.
Toth Park, Easton CT.named after a pedophile
HERE IS THE SECOND PERIODICAL ARTICLE WHERE MORE VICTIMS COME FORWARD ON TOTH AND HOW HE MOLESTED THEM STILL THE TOWN WON'T CHANGE THE NAME OF THE EASTON'S CHILDREN PARK.
Park name change saga continues
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
June 03, 2004
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Even though a third man has stepped forward to tell of alleged sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of the late Stephen Toth, town officials to date have taken no action to rename Toth Park.
The park was named after a man who previously was renowned in Easton for his work as a volunteer for the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Boy Scouts and Little League.
However, three men claim he abused them as children. Toth died in 1985.Florida resident Michael Powel asked the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission to rename the park in April. He said he's angry and disappointed with town officials' failure to do so."It's a crime what's being done," said Powel, who addressed the Board of Selectmen May 20. "I'm glad that I don't live in Easton. I wouldn't want my children playing in a park named after [Toth]."Powel said he is unhappy with the way Easton officials have treated him since he reported the alleged abuse to town police four years ago."People don't report sexual abuse for no reason because it's shameful and embarrassing," Powel said. "They [the selectmen] told me that I wasn't a victim of sexual abuse. It's inexcusable."Powel said he's grateful for the support of family and friends. He also alleges that Carlo Fabbozzi, a Bridgeport resident and former groundskeeper for St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull, also molested him. A civil lawsuit Powel filed against Fabbozzi was presented to a Bridgeport Superior Court judge May 27."There are more victims coming out," said Powel, who said he has received e-mails from two more individuals who claim that Toth abused them as children. They asked to remain anonymous at this time, he said."How many more do they need?" Powel asked. "It's inexcusable."The third man to speak out about alleged abuse attended the May 20 Board of Selectmen meeting where he met with town officials behind closed doors. The man, a Vermont resident, alleges Toth molested him but does not want to be identified at this time. He reportedly grew up in Easton and was involved in the town's scouting program.Powel and former town police officer Lester Eckert re told their story in executive session. Powel and Eckert previously addressed the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding changing the name of Toth Park. Since the Board of Selectmen meeting took place in executive session, the public and the media were not allowed to attend.It was after Powel and Eckert faced the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission, attempting to change the park's name that the third man called Powel. However, the commission chose not to rename the park unless more people step forward to claim abuse.Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle of Brookfield, said the Board of Selectmen tabled any decision about renaming Toth Park until its June 17 meeting."I believe that the meetings should be conducted openly so other people can hear Michael's and Les's stories," McGonigle said. "Michael and Les both wanted to tell their stories publicly."And, since the meeting was conducted in executive session, the audiotape was not rolling. There's no record of what was said during the meeting," she said. "I think this also sends a bad message to kids in Easton; we'll listen to you, but you won't be believed."First Selectmen William Kupinse said the selectmen agreed to conduct the meeting in executive session but decided to table Powel's request publicly."We decided to table this in case more evidence is gathered, and this allows time to submit it," Kupinse said. "We are not shirking our duty. If the park needs to be renamed, it will be. This is a difficult situation."Kupinse said he does not doubt that Powel believes that Toth assaulted him. He also has talked to others who said Toth would never harm a child, he said."I did not know Stephen Toth personally, but I did know of him," Kupinse said. "I knew of him primarily being connected to kids."Kupinse said it is not the Board of Selectmen's job to rename Toth Park."We can make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Commission about whether the park needs to be renamed," Kupinse said.Powel, now 45, claims that Toth sexually molested him numerous times starting when he was 9 years old in the late 1960s and continued to do so until the early 1970s. He alleges that Toth tied him up, blindfolded him, performed sexual acts on him and took photographs of him.Powel, who is suffering from brain cancer, said the incidents took places at Toth's Easton home and in Toth Park. As a child, he used to work for Toth doing odd jobs around his house, like cleaning and washing windows. He repressed his memories, and it wasn't until he was treated for brain cancer that he began to remember the molestations, he said.Eckert, who said he could collaborate Powel's story, claims that Toth also attempted to molest him. Eckert worked for Toth cleaning school buses at the Toth Transportation business. He alleges that Toth tried to molest him by tying him up, but since he was 14 at the time and a bigger boy, he was able to get away.
©Easton Courier 2008
Park name change saga continues
Deanna Holgerson, Editor
June 03, 2004
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Even though a third man has stepped forward to tell of alleged sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of the late Stephen Toth, town officials to date have taken no action to rename Toth Park.
The park was named after a man who previously was renowned in Easton for his work as a volunteer for the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Boy Scouts and Little League.
However, three men claim he abused them as children. Toth died in 1985.Florida resident Michael Powel asked the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission to rename the park in April. He said he's angry and disappointed with town officials' failure to do so."It's a crime what's being done," said Powel, who addressed the Board of Selectmen May 20. "I'm glad that I don't live in Easton. I wouldn't want my children playing in a park named after [Toth]."Powel said he is unhappy with the way Easton officials have treated him since he reported the alleged abuse to town police four years ago."People don't report sexual abuse for no reason because it's shameful and embarrassing," Powel said. "They [the selectmen] told me that I wasn't a victim of sexual abuse. It's inexcusable."Powel said he's grateful for the support of family and friends. He also alleges that Carlo Fabbozzi, a Bridgeport resident and former groundskeeper for St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull, also molested him. A civil lawsuit Powel filed against Fabbozzi was presented to a Bridgeport Superior Court judge May 27."There are more victims coming out," said Powel, who said he has received e-mails from two more individuals who claim that Toth abused them as children. They asked to remain anonymous at this time, he said."How many more do they need?" Powel asked. "It's inexcusable."The third man to speak out about alleged abuse attended the May 20 Board of Selectmen meeting where he met with town officials behind closed doors. The man, a Vermont resident, alleges Toth molested him but does not want to be identified at this time. He reportedly grew up in Easton and was involved in the town's scouting program.Powel and former town police officer Lester Eckert re told their story in executive session. Powel and Eckert previously addressed the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding changing the name of Toth Park. Since the Board of Selectmen meeting took place in executive session, the public and the media were not allowed to attend.It was after Powel and Eckert faced the Easton Parks and Recreation Commission, attempting to change the park's name that the third man called Powel. However, the commission chose not to rename the park unless more people step forward to claim abuse.Powel's attorney, Helen McGonigle of Brookfield, said the Board of Selectmen tabled any decision about renaming Toth Park until its June 17 meeting."I believe that the meetings should be conducted openly so other people can hear Michael's and Les's stories," McGonigle said. "Michael and Les both wanted to tell their stories publicly."And, since the meeting was conducted in executive session, the audiotape was not rolling. There's no record of what was said during the meeting," she said. "I think this also sends a bad message to kids in Easton; we'll listen to you, but you won't be believed."First Selectmen William Kupinse said the selectmen agreed to conduct the meeting in executive session but decided to table Powel's request publicly."We decided to table this in case more evidence is gathered, and this allows time to submit it," Kupinse said. "We are not shirking our duty. If the park needs to be renamed, it will be. This is a difficult situation."Kupinse said he does not doubt that Powel believes that Toth assaulted him. He also has talked to others who said Toth would never harm a child, he said."I did not know Stephen Toth personally, but I did know of him," Kupinse said. "I knew of him primarily being connected to kids."Kupinse said it is not the Board of Selectmen's job to rename Toth Park."We can make a recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Commission about whether the park needs to be renamed," Kupinse said.Powel, now 45, claims that Toth sexually molested him numerous times starting when he was 9 years old in the late 1960s and continued to do so until the early 1970s. He alleges that Toth tied him up, blindfolded him, performed sexual acts on him and took photographs of him.Powel, who is suffering from brain cancer, said the incidents took places at Toth's Easton home and in Toth Park. As a child, he used to work for Toth doing odd jobs around his house, like cleaning and washing windows. He repressed his memories, and it wasn't until he was treated for brain cancer that he began to remember the molestations, he said.Eckert, who said he could collaborate Powel's story, claims that Toth also attempted to molest him. Eckert worked for Toth cleaning school buses at the Toth Transportation business. He alleges that Toth tried to molest him by tying him up, but since he was 14 at the time and a bigger boy, he was able to get away.
©Easton Courier 2008
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