Unlikely excuse of top cop who's been allowed to retire after beating woman and having seedy affair
East Lyme Police Chief Michael Finkelstein, who had served as the department's top cop for eight years, officially retired on May 2 after an independent investigation uncovered a pattern of misconduct.
The bombshell report, by Daigle Law Group released last month, revealed that Finkelstein's drama began in June 2024 when officers responded to his own home over he had assaulted a woman.
The document also revealed he had an affair with a female officer that involved exchanging sexual texts and photos on department phones.
In a letter addressed to the East Lyme Police Commission, Finkelstein attempted to explain his shocking behavior on mental health issues.
He claimed he was 'suffering and in tremendous denial' throughout his tenure as chief.
'After 35 years of public service, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was taking its toll on my personal life,' Finkelstein wrote in his retirement letter.
'This played a role in my horrible decision to engage in an inappropriate relationship with my closest co-worker/subordinate, causing considerable damage to my marriage, family and career.'
East Lyme Police Chief Michael Finkelstein, who had served as the department's top cop for eight years, officially retired on May 2 after an independent investigation uncovered misconduct
The former chief claimed a 'traumatic work event' that left him with 'significant behavioral changes' had pushed him to the breaking point. He said he eventually required hospitalization and out-of-state rehabilitation.
'I was hospitalized, traveled out of state for rehab, then engaged in extensive outpatient care and therapy, all to address my battle with PTSD, major depression and self-medicating, which led to my domestic arrest,' Finkelstein said in the letter.
'The battle with this disease has been the toughest challenge I have ever experienced, which caused significant behavioral changes in me,' Finkelstein wrote. 'Ultimately, I know that the terrible mistakes I have made are solely my responsibility to face despite any disease.'
But investigators say he not only cheated on his wife with a subordinate officer but also actively attempted to cover up evidence of the inappropriate relationship.
When interviewed by investigators, the female officer admitted she and Finkelstein had exchanged texts and photos 'sexual in nature' on their department-issued phones – but claimed she had deleted all the compromising messages.
Finkelstein initially denied ever sending or receiving sexual content to the officer, investigators said, and admitted he had performed a 'factory reset' on his phone which wiped all evidence.
When confronted about destroying potential evidence that could be subject to Freedom of Information requests, Finkelstein claimed he 'didn't believe that applied to texts' and insisted 'he had the right to delete them,' according to the report.
The investigation concluded that Finkelstein 'provided false information, destroyed evidence, had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate' and committed numerous other policy violations.
Finkelstein also appeared before a judge in handcuffs when he was arrested on three additional charges of violation of a protective order, false statement and disorderly conduct in July
Finkelstein – who had been on leave since his arrest – was permitted to retire rather than face termination.
Despite all the claims against him, he's been allowed to potentially retain benefits after his 35-year career in law enforcement.
In his retirement letter, Finkelstein apologized, writing: 'I realize that I have failed you as commissioners and elected officials, the citizens of the town of East Lyme who placed significant trust in me, the men and women of the East Lyme Police Department and their families, and most importantly, to my wife, kids and family.'
RAB: Body camera footage released by the Connecticut State Police shows East Lyme Police Chief Michael Finkelstein's interactions with officers from his department during two domestic incidents at his home
He added that his retirement 'will allow the town and police department the ability to move forward, and for my continued focus to remain on my family's healing.'
'In public safety, your employees are not simply a number,' he continued. 'They are real humans with human struggles who experience a significant amount of trauma doing the very job you ask them to.'
'In the future, I urge you not to ignore when an officer seeks out help to address the cause of their suffering. Create an opportunity to speak with them, learn from them, and when you refuse to speak to them, understand the significant frustration they experience. I thank you for the opportunity to serve and wish the East Lyme Police Department nothing but the best with their future success.'
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