New Haven County CU Enters into Consent Order, Former CEO Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

New Haven County Credit Union (North Haven, CT) has entered into a consent order on August 5, 2019 with the Connecticut Department of Banking regarding unsafe and unsound banking practices.

The consent order addressed numerous deficiencies at the $20 million credit union that need to be addressed.

The consent order paints a picture of weak board oversight of the credit union. The consent order mandated the active participation of the credit union board of directors in credit union affairs. This included at least a monthly meeting of the board and a minimum attendance requirement for board members of at least 75 percent of the meetings.

In addition, the consent order required that the credit union will retain qualified board members, as well as management and staff.

The credit union is required to put into place internal controls and ensure financial records are complete and accurate.

The credit union is expected to file timely and accurate Call Reports, including ensuring that delinquent loans are properly reported and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses are adequately funded.

The consent order requires the credit union to develop a strategic plan covering at lease three years. The credit union board is also expected to develop written budget consistent with safe and sound banking practices.

The credit union will ensure that employees and Board members are provided with Bank Secrecy Act training and that there is a comprehensive review of the credit union's BSA program.

The consent order requires the credit union to establish a comprehensive Information Security Program.

In a related story, the former credit union Chief Executive Officer (CEO), James Farrell, pleaded guilty to bank fraud. Farrell was the CEO of the New Haven County Credit Union from approximately 1992 to June 2015 and was then retained by the credit union's board of directors to provide assistance to the new CEO until March 2016.

Between July 2011 and March 2016, Farrell defrauded the credit union by transferring funds from NHCCU’s general ledger account to the account held by The Rib House, a restaurant located in East Haven, Connecticut. Farrell provided financial and bookkeeping services to The Rib House from 2010 to 2016.

Read the order.

Read the Justice Department press release.