"Like too many other families in Connecticut, my son and our family
are facing the effects of the opioid epidemic that is sweeping our
state," the mayor said."
June 2, 2017
BRIDGEPORT - Investigators were preparing to arrest Fairfield Police Detective Stephen Rilling for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in heroin and OxyContin pills from the Police Department when Rilling posted a blog purporting to detail his struggle with opioid addiction.
For many, including members of the Fairfield Police Department, the blog was more than a coincidence and although it made no mention of the alleged drug thefts it appeared to set the stage for a defense of drug addiction.
Rilling's father, Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, then issued a statement following his son's arrest on his son's alleged drug problem.
"Like too many other families in Connecticut, my son and our family are facing the effects of the opioid epidemic that is sweeping our state," the mayor said.
"In the past few weeks I learned that my son has a substance abuse problem brought on by prescription pain medication," the mayor said. "He has accepted responsibility for his situation and is in therapy. We are proud of the way he is facing this problem and will continue to stand by him as he works toward recovery."