The campaign manager for an unaffiliated candidate for governor has been arrested for embezzling money from his former employer. Kyle Lyddy was arrested by Norwalk police on Monday.
Police say he took about $500,000 from his employer prior to heading Oz Griebel's campaign for governor.
Griebel said the news about Lyddy's arrest was a surprise.
"Obviously you're very disappointed, I don't know what words you can come up with," Griebel told Connecticut Public Radio. "We were totally taken by surprise, totally taken off guard."
Griebel said his campaign's finances haven't been compromised.
He also said that Lyddy has a strong background. Lyddy ran unsuccessfully in 2016 for the Democratic nomination for a state representative seat.
Griebel has struggled to get his name out there, with a recent poll showing many people haven't heard of him. He also hasn't raised as much money as the two party front-runners.
If convicted, Lyddy could spend up to 20 years in prison, and he faces fines of up to $15,000. He's due in court next Wednesday.
