CT Home Depot Theft Spree Targeted East Haven Store: State Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — Two suspects were arrested in connection with an organized theft scheme involving Home Depot stores in Fairfield and New Haven counties Friday, according to State Police. Following a three-month investigation, Marissa Ghiazza, 28, of Brewster, NY, turned herself in to state police detectives Friday. Police later arrested Kenneth Matthews, 31, of Brewster, NY, who they say co-conspired with Ghiazza in the scheme.

Police say that the scheme targeted 13 stores across thew two counties, and that the two were living at an Ellsworth Street apartment in Bridgeport. To sign up for East Haven breaking news alerts and more, click here.

According to the arrest warrant, Ghiazza and Matthews would take an item from the sales floor and return the item with an old receipt. They would be issued a store credit, and would purchase the same item at the store or at another Home Depot location.

The two would later pawn the item off and save the receipt to be used again for another "purchase," the arrest warrant alleges. Police learned of the scheme after a complaint from an internal investigator hired by Home Depot.

According to the arrest warrant, the pair made a combined two returns for a total of $321.87 at the Home Depot in East Haven. The returns took place between Dec. 14, 2016, and Jan. 6, 2017.

Police say they reviewed 87 surveillance videos between Jan. 15, 2016 and Jan. 9, 2017. Matthews was seen in each of the 87 surveillance videos, and Ghiazza was seen in 19 of the videos. In 53 of the videos, Matthews was seen with an infant child and Ghiazza was present for 19 instances.

Matthews is alleged to be responsible for approximately $30,000 in thefts, and Ghiazza has been linked to $3,000 in thefts. The scheme targeted stores in Derby, Stratford, Fairfield, Bridgeport, Danbury, East Haven, Hamden, New Milford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Trumbull and Waterbury .

Ghiazza was charged with organized retail theft less than $10,000, conspiracy to commit organized retail theft over $10,000, conspiracy to commit larceny, and larceny in the third degree. She was released on a $10,000 surety bond and is due in Bridgeport Superior Court on May 5.

Matthews was charged with organized retail theft greater over $10,000, conspiracy to commit organized retail theft over $10,000, conspiracy to commit larceny in the first degree, and larceny in the first degree. He was held on a $25,000 bond and is due in court on May 5.

Images via the Connecticut State Police.

Written by Joe Lipovich (Patch Staff)

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)