TRUMBULL CO. Traffic stop, subpoenas questioned

Several other employees of the law firm were also served subpoenas.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Federal agents would not say why they took part in a traffic stop of a Niles man, who works as an office assistant for a local defense attorney.
Nate Critchfield, who was stopped Tuesday, said more than a dozen law enforcement officials, including federal agents, were at the scene.
The stop was made by Jeff Hoolihan, a city detective who has been on special assignment with a state and federal task force for the past year.
"I wasn't even speeding, but I saw this car with one of those little blue lights flashing, so I pulled over," Critchfield said.
"A few seconds later, about 15 to 20 agents and other law enforcement officials showed up. I was scared to death. They tore apart my car like they were looking for the Ark of the Covenant. They took the seats out and everything, but they didn't find anything."
Critchfield was charged with driving under suspension and failing to signal before a left turn. He is scheduled to appear in municipal court July 18.
The plates on the car are in the name of Maridee Costanzo, the attorney for whom Critchfield works.
"The car belongs to Nate but the plates were in my name until he got things straightened out with his license," Costanzo said. "I thought we had gotten things straightened around."
Critchfield said he thought he was allowed to drive.
"The agents also gave me a federal subpoena for office records," Critchfield said. He declined to say exactly what the subpoena is seeking. He says he has until July 15 to produce the material.
Costanzo's response
Several other employees of Costanzo's law office were also served with subpoenas, but Costanzo said she does not know why.
"I'm shocked," Costanzo said, adding that she doesn't know what the agents are seeking.
"I've always considered myself to be an asset to the FBI and a dear friend to Special Agent Todd Worth and Special Agent Wallace Sines," Costanzo said.
"They have been guests in both my homes and they have eaten at my table. This is incredible."
Costanzo had represented Tony Joy, operator of the city-owned Avalon South Golf Course. She has said she worked well with the FBI and that Joy cooperated fully with federal agents.
The FBI has recently filed charges against three local contractors for work done at the course.