UPDATE 8: Statement from Danbury Democratic Town Committee chairman Larry Reifberg.

Councilman Joe Britton is a well-respected attorney, a man of integrity and deep commitment to our city and honorably serves our Danbury residents. The Councilman has City-issued identification and a City-issued key badge allowing him to lawfully enter City Hall. We fully expect and support a transparent discussion of this matter including the resolution of questions concerning the regularity of the city's quarterly reviews, established building entry protocol, monitoring the whereabouts of persons in City Hall and for the complete set of facts to be known before we will comment further.

UPDATE 7: Danbury Voice picks up on the story.

City officials claim that Danbury Councilman Joe Britton’s attempted to access secured areas of city hall that he does not have authorization to enter during the evening hours of Saturday, April 15, said John Kleinhans, Government Affairs and Communications Advisor.

As part of the City of Danbury’s quarterly security review, concerns were raised that Britton and an unidentified woman entered the office of the Corporation Counsel which council members and the public do not have access to due to the highly confidential, privileged information and records contained within the department, Kleinhans said.

UPDATE 6: Danbury Patch picks up on the story.

City officials have announced an investigation of a city council member who allegedly tried to gain unauthorized access to areas of City Hall in April.

In a news release from the Mayor's Office Thursday evening, officials said 4th Ward Councilman Joe Britton, accompanied by an unknown woman, tried to access secured areas of Danbury City Hall during the evening hours of Saturday, April 15.

The allegations came following the City of Danbury's quarterly security review, which indicated that Britton and the woman entered the Office of Corporation Counsel.

UPDATE 5: Danbury Republican Town Committee Chairman Mike Safranek issued the following statement regarding the alleged actions of 4th Ward City Councilman Joe Britton.

As chairman of the Republican party, I will refrain from making a full statement regarding Councilman Britain's alleged malfeasance, until the investigation is complete.

But what I will say is that I am disappointed in his actions, as they have been presented.

For a councilman and an attorney to wander into restricted areas of City Hall, (allegedly after hours, in an empty building) one of them being the legal department, is poor judgment.

As a Prominent member of the Danbury Democrat Party to try and gain access to the Mayor's secured office area is extremely poor judgment.

I believe many questions should be asked; what was his intent and the purpose of him trying to get into the Mayor's restricted office.

I remember reading about Watergate in school. On the surface, it was an innocuous event. I truly hope this isn't the start of Danburygate.

But before full judgment is rendered, let's wait to hear all the facts.

UPDATE 4: City Councilman At-Large John Esposito III posted the following comment.

As a member of the current City Council I want to know what Joe Britton was doing and who knew he was doing it.

UPDATE 3: 4th Ward City Councilman Joe Britton issued the following statement.

In response to the announcement of the inquiry, my comment is as follows: I was in City Hall that Saturday afternoon withj my City-issued ID badge and City-issued City Hall access key. As requested by the City, I will meet with City officials to discuss this matter in detail. I intend to be fully transparent. I have nothing to hide.

UPDATE 2: Democratic Mayoral candidate Roberto Alves issued the following statement.

I am incredibly disappointed in the allegations that have come to light about Councilman Britton. It is important, regardless of political affiliation, that everyone is held accountable for their actions. Especially our elected leaders. I am hopeful that both parties are transparent and forthright during the investigation, and with the public, into the events of April 15th.

UPDATE 1: Fox 61 picks up on the story. (link).

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Mayor Dean Esposito announced that an investigation has been launched against Democratic 4th ward City Councilman Joe Britton for allegedly attempting to access restricted offices at City Hall in April.

Statement from the City of Danbury and Mayor Dean Esposito.