Wallingford Business Owner Arrested in Undercover Sting

The owner of a Wallingford antique shop has been arrested and charged with purchasing gold and silver illegally, police said. 

Salvatore Carusone, of 10 Sue Terrace, Westport, was arrested Friday and charged with illegal purchase of precious metals or stones and conspiracy of illegal purchase of precious metals or stones.

Carusone, owner of Vintage Collectable Showcase, located at 31 Hall Avenue in Wallingford, was arrested during an undercover sting operation conducted by the Wallingford Police Department's detective division, along with a 17-year-old juvenile, according to a police report.

Police said Carusone and the juvenile made a cash purchase of gold and silver from a police informant at the store on Friday.  

While Connecticut law requires businesses that purchase precious metals or stones to obtain a permit with local authorities and to report those purchases, Carusone did neither, according to police.

Carusone was released on $5,000 bond. He's due in court next month.

The 17-year-old was released to a parent, police said.