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Former Connecticut mayoral candidate pleads guilty to Capitol riot-related trespassing charge

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Former Connecticut mayoral candidate pleads guilty to Capitol riot-related trespassing charge

A former Connecticut city alderman who won a Republican primary for mayor while facing charges related to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor for his actions in Washington.

Gino DiGiovanni Jr., who lost the November election for Derby mayor, pleaded to a trespassing charge — entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds — during a federal court videoconference hearing. Sentencing was set for April 15. He faces up to six months in jail under federal sentencing guidelines.

His lawyer, Martin Minnella, said the plea deal was a fair resolution of the case, given DiGiovanni wasn’t violent that day. Minnella said police were holding the Capitol doors open when DiGiovanni entered the building.

CONNECTICUT MAYOR, WHO REGAINED OFFICE FOLLOWING A 7-YEAR CORRUPTION SENTENCE, WINS PARTY PRIMARY

“He didn’t break anything. He didn’t force his way in,” Minnella told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. “But he did remain in there when he wasn’t authorized. … This is an aberration in his life and hopefully he can turn the page.”

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He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor trespassing charge for entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds during a federal court videoconference hearing. (Fox News)

Minnella added: “Certainly we don’t condone the conduct of a lot of other people. It was a terrible situation that got out of control.” He said DiGiovanni was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 to “exercise his rights as a citizen.”

On Jan. 6, supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an effort to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory.

More than 1,200 defendants have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Over 900 of them have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials decided by a judge or jury. Approximately 750 rioters have been sentenced, with nearly two-thirds getting some term of imprisonment.

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Despite his arrest in August, DiGiovanni won the Republican primary for Derby mayor in September, beating incumbent Mayor Richard Dziekan in the city of 12,400 people about 50 miles northeast of New York City. He lost the November election to Democrat Joseph DiMartino, with Dziekan running as an independent after losing the primary.

DiGiovanni pleaded guilty during a hearing in federal court in Washington. He and Minnella were in Connecticut and appeared via videoconference.

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Connecticut

Man arrested after stealing from Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin

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Man arrested after stealing from Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin


ENFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – Police arrested a Connecticut man on Sunday morning after he allegedly stole bottles and cans from a Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin.

Officers received a call at around 8 a.m. for a report of a larceny from a “Cans For Kids” donation bin at located on Raffia Road, according to the police department.

Police said they used used local surveillance cameras and municipal license plate readers to identify a vehicle and suspect.

Officials identified the individual as Joshua Wilcox of Broad Brook

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With the help of Wethersfield police officers, Wilcox was found and detained. Enfield police arrested Wilcox and charged him with sixth-degree larceny and first-degree criminal trespass.

It was also revealed that this is the second incident involving Wilcox at the same location, police said.

No further details were released.

Eyewitness News will provide more details as soon as they become available.

Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.

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Maine

Car catches fire on Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk

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Car catches fire on Maine Turnpike in Kennebunk


KENNEBUNK, Maine (WGME) — A car caught on fire on the Maine turnpike Saturday.

It happened in Kennebunk in the southbound lanes of the turnpike.

A car caught on fire on the Maine turnpike Saturday. (Courtesy of Kennebunk Fire Rescue)

You can see a large cloud of black smoke coming from the scene.

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Nobody was hurt.

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Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames.



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Massachusetts

Randolph woman wins $1M lottery prize, plans to use winnings for home improvements

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Randolph woman wins M lottery prize, plans to use winnings for home improvements


RANDOLPH, Mass. (WWLP) – A Randolph resident has won a $1 million prize through the final drawing of the Massachusetts State Lottery “$4,000,000 Monopoly Doubler” instant ticket game.

Brenda Mellor of Randolph claimed the game’s tenth and final $1 million prize.

Brenda Mellor of Randolph. (Courtesy of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission)

She selected the cash option and received a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes. Mellor said she plans to use the winnings to pay for home improvements, including renovations to her roof and pool.

The winning ticket was purchased at The Variety Store at 2 Mazzeo Drive in Randolph. The retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket.

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