Konstantinos (Kosta) Diamantis, a 70-year-old former state budget director and legislator, is currently at large after failing to appear for his federal sentencing in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Diamantis, who had been released on a $500,000 bond, is believed to have fled the country using a Greek passport obtained after his initial arrest. Federal authorities have launched a search for the convicted official, who faces a potential 10-year prison sentence. Diamantis was found guilty last October on 21 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy, and lying to federal investigators. The charges stemmed from allegations that he used his position as head of the state’s school construction program to steer contracts in exchange for bribes and to secure jobs for his daughter. Despite admitting to receiving tens of thousands of dollars, Diamantis maintained his innocence regarding the misuse of his office. He had previously informed the court that he held dual citizenship with Greece and possessed a Greek passport, which he claimed was in Greece to facilitate a property transfer. Although the judge questioned him about the passport, prosecutors did not seek to revoke his bond at that time. The sentencing was scheduled before U.S. District Court Judge Stefan Underhill, but Diamantis’ attorney, Norm Pattis, provided no comment on his client’s whereabouts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Francis and prosecutor David Novick also declined to comment. The case is complicated by the potential difficulty of extraditing Diamantis from Greece, which federal prosecutors noted could take years. Additionally, Diamantis is awaiting a second corruption trial regarding allegations that he stopped a Medicaid audit in exchange for payments, which is now in limbo due to his absence. He has also applied for a presidential pardon, which remains pending. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Diamantis’ location to contact federal law enforcement.