After reading the article dealing with the report by Attorney Chinni regarding the inappropriate behavior of Timothy Chokas, I cannot believe that her findings were what they were. After spending thousands of dollars by the present Board of Education and Superintendent Van Riley and the numerous faculty members mentioned in the article, it appears to me that there was a coverup. I would like to know who authorized the payment to Chokas in the amount of $83,000 and accumulated sick time? He violated female students over a number of years and for this the administration decided to pay him off to keep this quiet and send him on his way.

I am sorry, but I think there are many other residents who honestly believe this is a tragedy that this town will not soon forget. If something like this happened in any workplace the person would have been dismissed immediately and walked out from their job. I am embarrassed by this whole incident and shame on everyone who had a hand in this. You dropped the ball on this all to save face and the illusion that Stonington High School does no wrong.

Now you have to live with your consciences.

John Gomes

Stonington