2 Charged With Arson, Burglary In Connection To Shelton Fire: Police

SHELTON, CT — Two city men were charged this week with arson and burglary in connection to a fire reported late last year in Shelton, according to police.

In a news release, Police Det. Christopher Nugent said the arrests stem from a structure fire reported Dec. 6, 2024, at a Village Drive home.

The home was unoccupied at the time due to a previous fire, which was deemed accidental, having occurred at the same location days earlier, Nugent said.

Firefighters and police responded to the area and found Daniel Champagne, 26, and Joseph Lapinta, 25, both of Shelton, at the home, who told officers they were driving by and noticed the fire, according to Nugent.

With assistance from the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigative Unit and the Shelton Fire Marshal's Office, police investigated the cause of the fire and determined multiple pieces of jewelry, personal information belonging to the homeowner, women's clothing and female undergarments were missing from the home, according to Nugent.

The items were later found during searches of Lapinta and Champagne's vehicles, Nugent said.

Arrest warrants were issued for both men following additional interviews and searches by police, Nugent said.

Lapinta was arrested Monday and Champagne was arrested Tuesday. Both men were charged with first-degree arson, first-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny and third-degree criminal mischief.

Both men posted a $100,000 bond and are scheduled to appear in court, according to Nugent.