ConnectWise Partners Stunned by Arrest of Company's Co-Founder

ConnectWise co-founder David Bellini faces charges of trafficking illegal drugs. Bellini, who is president of ConnectWise International, was arrested Sunday and has taken an indefinite leave of absence, according to a company statement.

ConnectWise’s IT management software is widely used throughout the channel. Gregg Lalle, VP of international sales, will continue in his role as the executive sales leader for ConnectWise’s International division.

ConnectWise’s David Bellini

“International is a key growth area for ConnectWise,” said Arnie Bellini, who co-founded the company along with his brother in 1982, in a blog Monday. “In pursuing continued expansion of our international business, we’re announcing some revisions of the executive structure that we believe will raise the visibility of our international community within our headquarters operations.”

The post made no mention of David Bellini’s arrest.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal reported, however, that Bellini was arrested at his home, where police say he had more than 24 grams of heroin and fentanyl. On Monday, he was set to be released on his own recognizance.

The full company statement is below.

On February, 11, 2018 ConnectWise executive management became aware that David Bellini, co-founder and president of International, is facing health issues associated with the use of prescription and non-prescription pain medications. David has been suffering chronic pain for several years and has unfortunately fallen prey to overuse of these substances, resulting in potential charges — the outcome of which we cannot predict.

Our hearts go out to David and his children during this difficult time. The entire ConnectWise family looks forward to David’s return to health and well-being.

David will be taking an indefinite leave from the company. In the meantime, Gregg Lalle, VP of international sales, will continue in his role as the executive sales leader for our International division. He will report to Arnie Bellini in that capacity.

The ConnectWise executive team is broad and deep. We will continue delivering on our vision to provide the industry’s most comprehensive software ecosystem for technology teams.

Source: Channel Futures