By John Nickerson
Stamford Advocate
Also in the news this week: Va. officer charged in abuse of teen
NORWALK, Conn. — Stamford prosecutors are investigating an alleged sex act between a Norwalk senior police lieutenant and a minor, according to police sources.
Allegations surfaced two weeks ago that detective bureau supervisor Thomas Cummings, 46, a 24-year department veteran, met a 15-year-old Weston boy in an Internet chat room. An undisclosed sexual act subsequently took place in Cummings’ Norwalk home, police sources said.
The incident was reported to police by a person the boy confided in who was legally obligated to report the incident, department sources confirmed.
Cummings, who has headed the detective bureau for more than a year and is well-regarded by the rank-and-file as well as police brass, is openly gay.
Shortly after the allegations were made, Cummings’ home computer was seized as evidence. A request for the records of his cell phone is being considered, a senior source said.
Sources say Cummings, a divorced father of two teenage boys, has not been at the police department since the allegations were made. Efforts to contact him for comment were unsuccessful.
While he acknowledged an investigation is under way, police Chief Harry Rilling said Cummings has not been placed on administrative leave. Cummings is the second most senior lieutenant in the department and was one of 10 candidates vying for two deputy chief positions last month.
“It is inappropriate for me to comment at this time on an ongoing investigation conducted by another agency. We will do everything we can to ensure that this case is thoroughly investigated,” Rilling said.
Sources close to the investigation said there was no indication the sex act occurred while Cummings was on duty.
A senior source said Norwalk police asked that the case be investigated by the state’s attorney’s office at the state Superior Court in Stamford to avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest. Another source, though, said the request was made by another police department, possibly Weston.
Sources confirmed the investigation was being led by senior Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo, who works in Stamford’s Part A division where more serious crimes are tried. Colangelo routinely prosecutes high-profile sex assault cases.
He declined to comment.
Norwalk officers yesterday expressed sadness and anger at the allegations.
“Most of us are devastated by this, by the accusations. Tom is well-liked in the department,” a sergeant said. “The seriousness of the allegations, and I’m hoping they are not true, weighs heavily on us.”
Another supervisor said, “I’m saddened that this happened and sort of angry that this again happens to a Norwalk police officer.”
The source went on to say, “The more important point is that I hope that the victim is getting all the support they need and Tommy is given fair and just treatment under the law.”
Police union President William Curwen said Cummings has not contacted the union about the matter. Cummings is represented by the union.
“A lot of the guys are very shocked at the allegations. The fact that he is a high-ranking member of our department makes it all the more unbelievable,” Curwen said.
Another supervisor said everyone should remember Cummings has the same rights as anyone else and is innocent until proven guilty.
“But if the allegations are proven true, then he needs to get another job. Obviously, it is an embarrassment,” the source said.
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