It seems that the Norwalk Police Department wants to appear like it knows how to handle sex crimes investigations. I have my doubts based on how it handled the Pagano Porn investigation (No interrogation of the alleged perp “Todd”) and the lacksadaisical failure to file its arrests with state prosecutors on the prostitution charges from the “spas”. This skepticism only grows with the sheer lack of detail provided in this James Walker article from The Hour:

NORWALK — The Norwalk Police Department is looking into an allegation of child sexual abuse but is being tight-lipped about the suspect while the investigation continues.

Police said a parent of the 15-year-old victim lodged the complaint Monday at 9:04 p.m.

A preliminary investigation indicates the sexual abuse was not a one-time occurrence but “might have occurred over the years.”

“The exact dates have not been determined,” said Sgt. Andre Velez, a spokesman for the police department. “But it appears we have cooperation from the vicim and the parents.”
Velez declined to discuss whether the allegations involved first-degree sexual assault or lesser sexual assault charges. First-degree sexual assault involves penetration.

Velez said there are no indications the suspect, described only as “an adult male,” has been previously charged with sexually abusing children.

…

Velez said the current case involving the 15-year-old victim is under investigation by the Youth Bureau.

“The suspect has been identified,” Velez said. “We are confident an arrest warrant will be obtained.”

Maybe this time around the Norwalk Police Department will actually, oh, interrogate the alleged perpetrator. This article explains the process in another state.

Meanwhile the Common Council’s ordinance committee is considering municipal codes that could put brothels out of business.

And, Gordon Tully continues to promote the City Ethics Project, a nonprofit group established in 2000 to assist cities and towns grappling with ethics issues. Unfortunately, he’s pinning his hopes on Robert Wechsler , the research director of the group, who hasn’t even reviewed the ethics code draft. That kinda makes it hard to make accurate comments now doesn’t it. But then, the fixation on public hearings is a bit odd too. There have been numerous emails circulating with requests for comments and concerns. Notably, no one except Council Member Joanne Romano has bothered to draft comments to be considered in the revised ethics code. So much for public participation. A public hearing will be held May 24th, and the draft of the code is here.

source: The Hour, Police investigate alleged sexual abuse of child, By JAMES WALKER, May 16, 2007

source: The Hour, Panel targets brothels posing as health spas, By Patrick Linsey, May 16, 2007

source: The Hour, Director of ethics nonprofit may enter debate on city code revision, By Patrick Linsey, May 16, 2007