Former Hartford treasurer Carmen Sierra says she was escorted from office amid retirement transition and audit

Former Hartford treasurer Carmen Sierra told Fox 61 she returned to her office two days after retiring to complete the retirement process and return city property, and that she was escorted out by police when she attempted to do so.

Sierra and her civil-rights attorney, Cynthia Jennings, said on-air that Sierra's intent was to support staff, finish transition tasks and return badges and keys; Jennings demanded answers about who ordered the exclusion and why the mayor's staff had not engaged in an exit process. Sierra denied allegations that she shredded documents, saying there is no shredder in her office and that records are recycled through a shredding company that provides certification.

The mayor's office issued a statement saying it is inappropriate for any former elected official to access secure city facilities without notice after vacating a position and reiterated its commitment to transparency in managing the city's pension dollars. Sierra's retirement came amid an audit of the treasurer's office and the municipal pension fund; former pension commissioner Sean Wooden resigned last month citing governance and communication concerns. Sierra and her attorney said they will continue to investigate and seek answers.