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Police Group Calls Charges Baseless

MADISON, Conn. -- Four Madison police officers who work the midnight shift are accused of having encounters with prostitutes while on duty.

The officers are accused of meeting with prostitutes at several locations, including the commuter parking lot off of Interstate 95, as well as behind a school and a shopping center.

Madison Police Chief Paul Jacobson called the allegations "disgusting," saying he will make a decision this week on what charges to pass along to the Police Commission.

Among those accused includes Officer Bernard Durgin, who is already facing criminal charges in an unrelated case. He is accused of using department computers to look up information about women he knew (Full Story).

The allegations came up on Monday during a Police Commission disciplinary hearing for the midnight shift supervisor, Sgt. Timothy Heiden, who was accused of covering up for yet another officer.

Michael Brady from the International Brotherhood for Police Officers refuted the new allegations, telling Eyewitness News, "It's my understanding that the allegations come from someone whose credibility is suspect. We believe these charges are baseless and we will fight them."

Brady said he couldn't go into further detail, but he added that Heiden knew nothing of the officers' actions and that Heiden was not involved in the latest allegations.

Some of the town's residents said the claims have already tainted their view of the department.

"It seems like there have been too many problems going on for too long that haven't been addressed, and this is just another incident in a fairly long list," said Jane Michaud, of Madison. "It doesn't seem like they are really out there to protect us and look after us with our tax dollars. They're interested in doing a lot more other things that they shouldn't be doing."

"In my opinion, if they are going to do that and get caught, they shouldn't be on the force in the first place because that's what they should be stopping," said Ryan England, of Madison.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Ray Daudani reported Sgt. Trent Fox testified at the meetings, but didn't detail what took place between the women and officers.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case involving prostitutes; however, officials said arrests are expected in the coming weeks. Heiden is not expected to face criminal charges.

There are administrative charges that Heiden did not properly supervise subordinate officers.

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