The Democrat’s political career was cut short in 1989 when he was indicted on charges of accepting bribes from city developers. He was acquitted of the corruption charges after a much-publicized trial in 1990, but was convicted of filing a false tax return. That conviction was overturned on appeal.
“There were plenty of opportunities to settle the case, but he never expressed any interest at all in taking a plea bargain,’’ said defense attorney Hugh Keefe. “He wanted complete vindication, and to his credit he got it.’’
“It took a lot out of Jimmy,’’ said Keefe. “He loved politics, but, as a result of that investigation, he quit and never went back.’’
Mr. Dyer served two terms in the Connecticut General Assembly before being elected mayor in 1979 at age 33.
“There was an influx of new businesses, new people, and he got the city to adapt to those changes,’’ said state Representative Robert Godfrey, a Danbury Democrat. “He was there with the infrastructure, the sewers, the water, with making sure the new businesses tied into the Danbury labor market.’’
Dyer leaves his wife, Alice, and their four children.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Danbury.
Boughton has ordered flags in the city to fly at half staff.
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