Stratford Mayor David Chess is responding after TapestryHealth, the healthcare company he founded nine years ago, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Chess says he stepped away from the company’s management, operations and clinical responsibilities four years ago but continues to serve as chairman of its board of directors.

TapestryHealth and its affiliated entities voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 protection in federal court on Nov. 6.

The filing follows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ suspension of certain Medicare payments during an ongoing review of the company’s billing.

Chess stressed that the suspension does not amount to a finding of fraud.

“A payment suspension is not a finding of fraud,” Chess said. He added that the company has cooperated with the review and challenged the suspension in court.

Chess says TapestryHealth continues to operate and serve nursing home residents and facility partners during the bankruptcy process.

He also addressed questions about how his role with the company affects his job as mayor, saying, “My commitment to serving our community remains unchanged.”