City of Middletown officials are investigating allegations of a hostile work environment made against Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa after a formal complaint detailing internal police issues was sent by Middletown Police Captain David Godwin to the city’s general counsel and human resources in March 2025, according to emails obtained by Inside Investigator.
“Some of these struggles have been in silence and some matters openly blatant,” Godwin wrote in a March 14 email to General Counsel Kori Wisnewski, HR Director Justin Richardson, and HR Manager Michelle Langston. “I have mentored, coached and have listened to our Officers concerns, all while trying to make change and directing them to appropriate resources. I have done almost all I can do, and I have no other option but to bring these matters to your formal attention.”
Among the allegations is that Costa allows an officer to consistently come in late and leave early; intimidation, mood swings, and “disparaging and offensive comments directed at peers and myself;” “unpredictable and inconsistent decision making,” and questionable actions when it came to promoting officers.
Godwin writes that when he raised concerns to Costa about an officer consistently coming in late and leaving early, saying it hurt fellow employee morale and could be used by the police union in future disciplinary issues, Costa informed him the officer was allowed to do so under Family and Medical Leave approved by human resources. However, Godwin indicates that there is no mention of approved FMLA time on time sheets or in the computer system.
“Instances like this are wearing away the fabric of our department,” Godwin wrote. “Theft of time is a crime of larceny and defrauds Middletown community/taxpayers. It appears there is a blatant disregard for integrity.”
Thus far, no other officers have reportedly come forward with similar allegations, nor have the police unions initiated any actions.
“As I was, many are reluctant to come forward for fear of retaliation,” Godwin continued. “These decisions to come forward are very difficult for everyone involved in particular our female and minority Officers who are part of a dedicated Police Department.”
Reached for comment, Mayor Gene Nocera confirmed the city was investigating the allegations and that a report will outline the findings. “We will do our due diligence and look into the matter,” Nocera said. “We will certainly uncover all the rocks.”
Reached for comment, Chief Costa says there is an “active review process,” but nothing has been substantiated and he is confident the city will find the allegations without merit.
“The complaint was initiated by an individual who has expressed disagreement with my leadership and management style. I am confident that once the review is completed, the findings will demonstrate that the concerns raised are without merit,” Costa wrote in an email to Inside Investigator.
“I firmly believe in transparency and accountability, and during my five years as Chief, I have worked diligently alongside the members of the Middletown Police Department to strengthen the agency and its relationship with the community,” Costa wrote. “Through their hard work and dedication, the department has become recognized as one of the leading law enforcement agencies in the State of Connecticut. The professionalism and service of our officers and staff should not be overshadowed by unsubstantiated claims.”
Costa, a former state police lieutenant, was hired in 2021, and has overseen the installation of automated speed cameras on roads known to be problematic for speeding. In March of this year, Costa received the Community Provider of the Year Award from River Valley Services for strengthening “crisis intervention efforts,” and connecting “community members to vital mental health services.”
The chief came under scrutiny by the Middletown City Council in 2023 when he hadn’t relocated to Middletown from his previous residence as required by city ordinance and a stipulation in his contract that he be “domiciled” in Middletown. Costa had received an extension to fulfill that requirement and contended he had an apartment in town and that uprooting a family can be difficult. The Council ultimately voted not to enforce the provision.
Among the hostile work environment allegations, the March 2026 emails indicate the police department was $300,000 “in the red,” and that there was an un-audited “savings account with tens of thousands of dollars,” that “appears to be an oversight, but consistent with many financial oversights that I have tried to address in the past,” Godwin wrote.
Costa says that figure likely refers to the “replacement overtime account used to maintain minimum staffing levels and operational readiness,” that has been depleted over the past year by increased overtime, extended employee absences due to workers compensation claims, Family and Medical Leave and “compliance with the Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Act.”
Furthermore, the “savings account” mentioned in the emails, Costa says, is related to the Cyber Crimes Unit and contains “evidentiary funds associated with fraud investigations involving victims,” and is currently being audited.
“To mitigate overtime expenditures, I implemented several cost saving measures, including restricting specialized unit training activities and limiting non-essential training and discretionary spending,” Costa wrote. “Policies and procedures continue to be reviewed to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.”
Costa notes that Middletown PD recently won national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA), which requires an “established set of professional standards,” including comprehensive and uniform written directives, independent review by subject matter experts, and “continuous pursuit of excellence through annual reviews and assessment measures.”
“This unprofessional environment has been ongoing for several years, but has become intolerable in recent months. The cumulative impact has affected my personal well-being, home life, work product, and including difficulty sleeping,” Godwin wrote. “Given the pervasive and ongoing nature of this conduct, I formally request that this memorandum be placed on record and that these matters be reviewed as part of a formal hostile work environment complaint.”
“Although it should go without saying, I want to emphasize that these are allegations at this stage, and it is important that we allow the process to proceed without rushing to judgment,” Nocera said.
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My take. I think all over the USA we sustain a work climate of toxicity. I think it’s up to our colleges that train exec managers to do a much better job than evaluating the bottom line. Develop some team & personal skills. For those who don’t go to college, modules can be offered by consultants. Work place relationships that are neither pensive nor aggressive make for good staff. This is a long standing issue in our republic. So much for making America great.