Stratford Contractor Accused Of Burglarizing House In Westport, Cops Say

WESTPORT, CT — A 38-year-old contractor from Stratford was arrested by Westport police last week on felony burglary and larceny charges, after authorities said he broke into, and stolen items from, a Westport home where he had been working.

Joseph Benway III was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 12 on charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief and third-degree larceny in connection with the alleged theft, which was reported on Jan. 2, 2025.

"Multiple contractors working at the property that morning reported the incident," wrote Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "They explained that the owners were currently out of the country and had been since December 31, 2024, and that this burglary occurred sometime between their departure and the time of the call. Entry into the home was forced by the perpetrator(s), who had broken a glass panel on a garage door to gain access to the interior. The cost of repairing that damage was estimated at $1700.00. Reported stolen from within were various currencies with an approximate monetary value of $2000.00."

Westport police conducted an "extensive investigation including thedrafting and execution of multiple search warrants," before developing Benway as a suspect.

"Benway had been employed at the residence as a contractor and was at the scene when the initial report was filed, Prezioso said.

Westport police obtained an arrest warrant for Benway, and he surrendered to the department on the 12th.

He was released after posting bond on bail of $150,000, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Stamford Superior Court on Dec. 3.