STATE MARSHAL CHARGED

NEW BRITAIN -- A New Britain Superior Court marshal who was once
recommended by a state senator despite his criminal record was arrested on
felony drug charges Saturday by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Eric A. Edman, 32, of East Berlin, a marshal since 1995, is charged with
possession of narcotics; possession of narcotics with intent to sell;
possession of controlled substances; possession of controlled substances
with intent to sell; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He has since posted a $250,000 bond.

While details of his latest arrest have not been disclosed by the DEA,
according to Newington police Edman was convicted in 1992 of possession of
marijuana and possession of a hypodermic needle, a felony. He was
subsequently given a three-year suspended sentence and three years
probation, police said.

Despite his criminal record and the vocal protests of other judicial
figures, Edman was hired in 1995 by Hartford County Sheriff Walter
Kupchunos. State Sen. Biagio S. Ciotto, D-Wethersfield, had written a
recommendation on Edman's behalf.

When reached for comment, Ciotto said he has known Edman's family for 35
years. "I was helping the son of a friend," he said of the recommendation.
"I thought he had overcome all of his problems, and I think in this life
it's important to give second chances."

The hiring of Edman and other felons again became a heated issue during the
1998 election for high sheriff of Hartford County when Chief Deputy Sheriff
John Griffin ran against Kupchunos, the incumbent Democrat.

At that time Griffin promised to rid the Sheriff's Department of felons, at
least five of whom Kupchunos supported. Griffin lost the race by a 5
percent margin.

Up to his arrest Saturday, Edman was a lock-up supervisor in charge of 11
marshals.

"This young man has compiled an outstanding record over the last seven
years," Ciotto said. "I feel terrible for his family."

Kupchunos could not be reached for comment.