State police today seized a police vehicle and several pieces of evidence as part of an ongoing investigation into possible corruption in the New London Police Department, according to a press release from New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio.

In a press conference Friday, the mayor announced that Officer Joshua Bergeson had been fired after a hearing to review his role in the Dec. 14 beating of Reuben Miller outside the Southeastern Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependency facility on Coit Street.

Finizio also announced that K-9 Officer Roger Newton has been placed on paid administrative leave as federal, state and local agencies investigate a city man's allegations that Newton planted drugs at the scene during his arrest on drug-dealing charges in October 2010.

According to today's release, Finizio said he, Police Chief Margaret Ackley and State's Attorney Michael Regan requested the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Central Division in an ongoing investigation into possible police department corruption.

"The City of New London is grateful for the support of the Connecticut State Police as we continue an ongoing and expanding probe into possible corruption in the New London Police Department," Finizio said.

"I also have complete confidence in the good men and women of the New London Police Department, who represent the overwhelming majority of members in the department, to cooperate fully with this ongoing investigation," Finizio said.