Charles Willinger

Other sites searched included Kasper Associates, 968 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, an architectural firm that does work for United Properties, and the law offices of Willinger, Willinger and Bucci, 850 Main St., Bridgeport.

Charles Willinger, a principal in the firm, has represented United Properties before planning and zoning commissions in Bridgeport, Milford and Fairfield.Willinger has declined to comment on the matter.

Officials at United Properties and Kasper Associates also did not return phone calls.

The diner's owners, who did not want to comment, are not suspected of any wrongdoing, sources said.

No charges have been filed and the documents have been sealed.The principals of the three firms have hired prominent defense lawyers, several of whom are former federal prosecutors.

Charles Willinger, a principal with the Willinger, Willinger and Bucci law firm, said he has done nothing wrong and noted that he has not been charged with a crime.

"They should not be looking at us.We are not getting indicted.It would be unfair and un-American to be disqualified for something when we were not charged with anything," he said.

During testimony in Ganim's trial, FBI Special Agent Edward Adams confirmed that Willinger was a "target" of the ongoing investigation into municipal corruption.