After Sexual Assault Charges Dropped in Court, Norwalk Cop Fired

A Norwalk police officer who was previously cleared of a child sex assault charge was fired on Monday by the Police Department.

In a brief, somewhat cryptic statement released late Tuesday afternoon by police, the department announced that Anthony Santo was fired for various violations of the Norwalk Police Manual, in particular:

“4.1 Violation of Rules 4.2 Conformance to Laws 4.7 Incompetence 4.16 Unbecoming Conduct 4.28 Intervention.”

Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said in the news release, “After reviewing the results of the internal investigation, I found just cause for termination based upon the totality of the facts and circumstances.”

In a blog post on the Hearst Newspapers website, it was reported in October 2014 that charges had been dropped against Santo, then 46, after his first trial when the purported victim decided she would not again take the stand against him.

Santo, who had been on the force for 18 years as of 2009 was then suspended without pay for five years after he was arrested in Greenwich.

Santo is a former Norwalk Eagle Scout and ambulance medic.