New London Board of Education member charged with identity theft
Waterford — Town police charged a New London Board of Education member with identity theft Friday.
Jason Catala, 45, of 476 Ocean Ave., New London, was charged with second-degree identity theft and illegal use of a credit card.
Catala would not comment on the charges Friday but said he still intended to run for a position on the Board of Education and that he would not resign from his current position on the board.
Speaking on Catala's behalf, attorney Daryl Finizio said, "Mr. Catala will not be commenting directly on this case at all and under my advice will be remaining silent relating to any of these proceedings."
"These allegations do not in any way relate to Mr. Catala’s role as an educator, a father or a member of our New London Board of Education," said Finizio, who is a former New London mayor. "These allegations relate to private, family financial matters and therefore Mr. Catala will be continuing in his campaign for the Board of Education and will not be commenting on this case, but will be continuing to comment on the issues that are involved in the election."
Catala is seeking his eighth term on the school board. He is employed as a coach in the New Haven Public Schools district. He previously served one term on the City Council and is a confirmation teacher at St. Joseph School and a member of the Centro de la Comunidad board of directors. He also serves as chairman of the school board's Policy Committee.
Catala appeared Friday morning in court in New London and pleaded not guilty to his charges, Finizio said. His next court date is Nov. 12 in New London.
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