State Employee Fired After Army Reserve Duty Raises Concerns

Dinisio Diaz Rosario, a Wage and Hours Investigator, claims unfair treatment compared to other state workers

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:05am

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A fragmented, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and green, conceptually representing the dysfunction and unrest within a state government office.As tensions over state employment practices escalate, a fractured visual metaphor reflects the bureaucratic challenges and unequal treatment faced by some public workers.Stamford Today

Dinisio Diaz Rosario, a $63,000-a-year Wage and Hours Investigator at Connecticut's Department of Labor, was fired near the end of his probationary period last year. Rosario, who has reached the rank of major in the Army Reserve after 20 years of service, claims he was treated differently than other new hires and was not given a Performance Improvement Plan despite struggling with his training. Meanwhile, another state employee, Terrence Cheng, was paid $442,000 as a 'Strategic Advisor' after misusing state funds as the Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential favoritism and unequal treatment of state employees, especially those who serve in the military reserves. It raises questions about the state's handling of problematic employees in leadership roles versus those in more junior positions.

The details

Rosario filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, alleging his training was 'erratic and contradictory' compared to other new hires. He claims he did not receive a Performance Improvement Plan, which is typical for struggling probationary employees. In contrast, Terrence Cheng, the former Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system, continued to receive a $440,000 salary and a new 'Strategic Advisor' title even after audits revealed he misused state funds for personal expenses.

  • Rosario was hired as a Wage and Hours Investigator at the Connecticut Department of Labor in November 2024.
  • Rosario was fired near the end of his 6-month probationary period in 2025.
  • Cheng has been the Chancellor of CSCU since 2020 and was informed in 2025 that his contract would not be renewed.
  • Cheng was then given a $440,000 'Strategic Advisor' position by the CSCU Board of Regents.

The players

Dinisio Diaz Rosario

A $63,000-a-year Wage and Hours Investigator at the Connecticut Department of Labor who was fired near the end of his probationary period. Rosario has reached the rank of major in the Army Reserve after 20 years of service.

Terrence Cheng

A former $440,000-a-year Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system who was given a new 'Strategic Advisor' position by the CSCU Board of Regents after audits revealed he misused state funds.

Zulma R. Toro-Ramos

The President of Central Connecticut State University who has been called upon to mentor new presidents in the CSCU system.

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut who dismissed Cheng's misuse of state funds as 'small ball'.

Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO)

The state agency where Rosario has filed a complaint against the Department of Labor.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.