As anticipated earlier on JURIST's Paper Chase, a federal grand jury Thursday returned a 15-count indictment against Peter N. Ellef, co-chief of staff to former Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland. The charges include conspiracy, extortion and money laundering, among others. Contractor William Tomasso and Ellef's son were also charged in the indictment.

The Ellefs and Tomasso allegedly conspired to fix state contracts for the benefit of Tomasso’s construction companies. According to the indictment, Ellef abused his positions as Chairman of the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority and liaison to various state agencies, including the Department of Public Works and the Department of Economic and Community Development, by diverting state contracts to Tomasso for personal gain. The US Attorney’s office has the indictment [PDF] and a press release.