Former West Haven housing director pleads guilty to taking $1.5 million in bribes

Federal prosecutors say a Connecticut man has admitted taking about $1.5 million in bribes while serving as the executive director of the West Haven Housing Authority.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly says 55-year-old Michael Siwek of North Haven pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Hartford to bribery, conspiracy and tax evasion. A sentencing date hasn't been set.

Prosecutors say Siwek took the bribes from 2007 to 2012 in return for awarding business and contracts with the Housing Authority.

Siwek agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution and about $364,000 in back taxes, penalties and interest.

The New Haven Register reports Siwek retired in August 2012 after authorities raided the Housing Authority's headquarters.

A contractor, Harry Miconi, pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing for bribing Siwek. Authorities say more arrests are possible.