State troopers file appeal

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. -- Two state troopers who claim they were defamed by casino executives have appealed a tribal judge's ruling in their lawsuit against Foxwoods Resort Casino officials.

The lawsuit claims that Foxwoods officials obstructed Master Sgt. John C. Drummer and Detectives Richard Perron in their investigations into prostitution, organized crime and sexual assault at the casino.

The appeal, filed in Mashantucket Tribal Court Friday, claims that high-ranking casino executives and tribal leaders defamed the two troopers' reputation in statements to the media, their superiors and Gov. John G. Rowland.

In 1996 Drumm and Perron were transferred from their posts at the casino weeks after their Nov. 12, 1995, alleged break-in of offices on the Mashantucket reservation.

New London County State's Attorney Kevin Kane later found that Drumm and Perron were investigating an alleged double-billing scheme and had done nothing illegal.

But, in their appeal, Drumm and Perron claim that the publicity surrounding that case disparaged their reputation.

In July tribal Judge Thomas Londergan ruled that Drumm's and Perron's status as police officers meant they were public officials and subject to separate libel laws.

The Mashantucket Pequot tribe owns and operates Foxwoods.