In 1938, a massive anti-corruption drive in Waterbury, Connecticut, led to the conviction of Mayor T. Frank Hayes and several associates for embezzling millions in public funds. This landmark case in the United States exposed the deep-seated graft within New England municipal machines during the New Deal era.
During the height of the Great Depression, the city of Waterbury, Connecticut, stood as a titan of American industry. Known globally as the “Brass City,” it produced everything from clock gears to artillery shells. Yet, while the factories hummed, a sophisticated criminal enterprise operated from within City Hall. Mayor T. Frank Hayes, a powerful figure in the state’s Democratic Party, presided over a political machine that systematically looted the municipal treasury. The scale of the corruption remained hidden until a relentless investigation by State’s Attorney Lawrence L. Lewis and the investigative reporting of the Waterbury Republican newspaper brought the scheme to light in 1937.
The investigation revealed that Hayes and his inner circle had orchestrated a massive conspiracy to defraud the taxpayers. They utilized a variety of methods, including the creation of “ghost” employees on the city payroll and the approval of exorbitant contracts for services that were never rendered. In some instances, city funds were used to pay for the personal expenses of officials, ranging from luxury items to private debts. The total amount stolen was estimated to be over one million dollars, a staggering sum in the 1930s United States. This systemic theft occurred while many residents struggled with the economic deprivations of the era, heightening the public’s sense of betrayal.
The legal proceedings began in 1938 and quickly became the most talked-about trial in New England. The courtroom was packed daily with citizens eager to see the downfall of the men who had exploited their trust during a time of national economic hardship. Prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence, including thousands of canceled checks and testimony from disillusioned city employees. The defense attempted to portray the expenditures as necessary for the city’s growth, but the paper trail of kickbacks and secret bank accounts proved insurmountable. The trial highlighted the tension between old-world machine politics and the rising demand for professionalized, transparent governance.
In August 1939, the jury returned guilty verdicts for Hayes and twenty-two of his associates. The judge sentenced Hayes to ten to fifteen years in the state penitentiary, a harsh penalty intended to serve as a deterrent to other corrupt officials. The Waterbury Republican was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its role in exposing the graft, highlighting the critical importance of a free press in maintaining political integrity. The conviction of a sitting mayor and his entire inner circle sent shockwaves through the political establishment of the Northeast.
The aftermath of the Waterbury scandal triggered a wave of reform across Connecticut and the broader United States. The state legislature passed new laws requiring independent audits of municipal finances and established stricter guidelines for public bidding processes. These reforms dismantled the traditional machine politics that had dominated many New England cities for generations. The “Clean State” sentiment reflected a broader New Deal-era push for accountability as federal funds flowed into local projects. Today, the Waterbury trial remains a foundational case study in the history of American anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the power of judicial persistence and investigative journalism in defending the public interest.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.