Willington Town Staffer Accused Of Taking Human Services Donations

WILLINGTON, CT — A municipal business staff member in Willington is accused of taking a box from the mail containing donated gift cards addressed to the Human Services Department.

Patricia Ignatowicz, 63, of Willington, surrendered on a warrant at the Troop C barracks. She was charged with second-degree larceny-defrauding the public, state police said.

According to a warrant, on Dec. 10, Willington First Selectman Peter Tanaka approached state troopers about a potential larceny involving Willington Assistant Business Manager "Tish" Ignatowicz.

Tanaka told state police that, on Nov. 27, the Human Services Department was expecting a package from Connecticut Water containing gift cards meant to be a donation, according to a warrant. The package never made it to the department and Ignatowicz was seen on security cameras collecting mail that day.

Among the items collected were a Priority Mail box that she was seen shaking, according to a warrant.

When questioned. Ignatowicz said she did not recall picking up a package, according to a warrant. A trooper then pointed out Ignatowicz to herself, according to a warrant.

In a written statement included in a warrant, Ignatowicz said, "Even though I did not take them, I am more than willing to make restitution. If at any time I find the missing box and/or gift cards, I will contact (state police)."