Crime & Safety

Former Windsor Locks Police Officer and Father Waive Any Conflict Claims Over Attorney

Attorney Elliot Spector, who has represented both men in the case involving the fatal October car accident in Windsor Locks, says he knows of no conflicts.

A former Windsor Locks police officer and his father, on administrative leave with the department, both waived any conflict of interest claims in Hartford Superior Court Thursday in their cases involving fatal car accident in October.
 
Michael Koistinen was represented by Elliot Spector prior to and after being charged in the accident which he allegedly struck with his car and killed 15-year-old . When his father, Robert Koistinen, was charged Spector also represented him. Soon after attorney Raymond Hassett began representing Michael Koistinen.

In a hearing Thursday, Judge David P. Gold questioned both Koistinens about whether they were aware of any potential conflicts. Gold pointed out that rules of professional conduct require the court to step in and make sure both defendants know about the possible conflicts.

Gold said those rules prohibit an attorney representing a client who may have adverse interests to that of a former client the attorney represented in the same or connected cases. Both clients must waive any claims of conflict.

Both told Gold they understand the possibility of conflicts and are willing to waive any claims of conflict. They also agreed to waive their claims in writing.

Gold also reminded them that if they are convicted of the charges they face, it would be difficult for them to challenge those convictions on any claims of conflicts if they waive those conflicts now.

Spector said as of Thursday there are no conflicts of interest.

“As an officer of the court, with all the facts I know today I see no conflicts of interest now or in the future,” Spector said.

, 25, of Suffield, is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle, and attempt to tamper with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Nov. 23 in Hartford Superior Court.

Robert Koistinen is a Windsor Locks police sergeant and has been on administrative leave with pay since the accident, his annual salary is $73,385. He pleaded not guilty in January to charges he interfered with the investigation of  the Oct. 2010 fatal accident in which his son, Michael, was involved.

The Windsor Locks Police Commission fired Michael Koistinen, a probationary officer, on Dec. 8, 2010.

An independent investigator, has been looking into the actions of the Windsor Locks Police Department following the fatal accident. Initially agreeing to a $32,000 fee, Rudewicz requested additional funds to complete the investigation because it became more involved than initially anticipated, officials said. An April 26 town meeting approved another $8,200.  It is pending.

Find out what's happening in Windsor Locks-East Windsorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Koistinens' cases were continued until July 21.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.