Carlson & Dumeer, LLC is pleased to announce a recent development in a high profile criminal investigation being handled by Firm Partner Brian Dumeer. Following multiple conversations with the Middlesex County State’s Attorney Office, Brian was able to reach an agreement in which the investigation was suspended following his client’s voluntary resignation from his positions as Fire Marshal for the Towns of Old Saybrook and Westbrook.
Brian’s client, Donn Dobson, agreed to voluntarily resign from his 18-year post as Fire Marshal after he became the focus of a criminal investigation into time sheets being submitted to various municipalities. As part of the agreement, Mr. Dobson will not be charged with any criminal offense, and has maintained that while no criminal conduct occurred, he regrets administrative errors that led to the minor time-keeping mistake. He has also agreed to pay restitution and to no longer seek employment as a fire marshal in Middlesex County.
The case received widespread attention and media coverage throughout the region for its complexity and allegations of time fraud by a public employee. Officials from the towns of Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Branford, Madison, the Madison Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Middlesex County State’s Attorney Office all collaborated in the month-long investigation.
The outcome is a significant victory in a difficult case, and one that speaks volumes about the tireless efforts and abilities of Attorney Dumeer. Despite relentless media coverage, social opinion, and multiple involved agencies, Brian was able to effectively advocate on behalf of his client. His conversations with the State’s Attorney Office prompted officials to halt their investigation and circumvent formal criminal charges in favor of an amicable resolution aligned with the facts and circumstances at hand. Not only was our firm’s client able to avoid an arrest, indictment, and exposure to serious criminal penalties, he was able to maintain his innocence in connection to any criminal conduct.
Resolutions such as this are attainable through the diligent efforts of proven attorneys. While Brian and our legal team commonly represent individuals who have already been charged with crimes, we also provide representation to individuals during pre-file investigations. By involving an attorney early on in an investigation, as this case makes clear, suspects can work toward clearing their names and reaching positive resolutions that mitigate or even entirely eliminate their exposure to formal charges and life-altering penalties, including potential terms of imprisonment. The fact that Brian was able to reach this agreement in such a high profile case, where officials are commonly pressured by the public and quick to levy charges, is evidence of his skill, experience, and determination as a seasoned defense attorney.
Our firm is proud of Brian’s work on this case, and we believe it is a testament to his unwavering commitment to seeking justice and positive outcomes for our clients. You can learn more about Attorney Brian Dumeer and our criminal defense practice on our website.