Cops: Weston, Conn., Couple Had $30,000 Worth Of Stolen Goods At Homes
WESTON, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A Connecticut couple is facing mounting criminal charges after police say they uncovered a cache of pilfered items at their homes.
As CBS 2's Don Champion reported, Weston cops discovered the contraband, which included tools, air-conditioning units and moose antlers, after they responded to a domestic-violence call at a home in November. While there, officers quickly noticed items outside that appeared to have been connected to a recent theft case.
Police immediately considered Joshua Bamman, 38, and Kathlene Falcone, 33, suspects in the thefts. During their investigation, cops later discovered a second home where they say the couple stashed other stolen goods.
"We call it good old-fashioned police work, being aware of your surroundings, looking at things through police-colored glasses," Weston Police Chief John Troxell said.
In all, more than $30,000 worth of stolen goods were recovered, police said. There were so many items that the police department is holding them in a rented storage unit.
Investigators believe the items were taken over the course of several years from within Weston and even nearby towns and being put up for sale on eBay or at local flea markets.
Adding to the couple's legal troubles, officers said they also found a small marijuana-growing operation in a room in the second home.
"It was almost like people hiding in plain sight with this type of crime," Troxell said.
Bamman and Falcone turned themselves in to authorities Monday. They have been released on bond and are due in court Wednesday. They face felony larceny charges. Investigators expect more charges and more arrests in the case.
Bamman would not speak on camera with CBS 2 on Tuesday, but he denied being part of a burglary ring.
Neighbors say they never suspected any wrongdoing by the couple.
"I couldn't believe it was in my own neighborhood, my own town," said Ellie Root, of Weston.
"It was like almost a shock-and-awe situation for our department to see the magnitude of the amount of items being stored at these two houses," Troxell said.
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