A local man was arrested and charged with selling marijuana in town.

On Thursday, July 24, the Southington Police Department Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested Alexander Ricciardelli, 20.

After a month long investigation into Ricciardelli selling marijuana in and around town, two arrest warrants were issued for his arrest. On July 24, Ricciardelli was observed in the parking lot of the Summerbrook Condominiums making what police believed to be a drug deal. Ricciardelli was arrested and found to have 17.2 grams of marijuana packaged for a street level sale, along with a digital scale.

Ricciardelli was charged with two counts of sale of marijuana, possession of intent to sell within 1500’ of a school, possession of over a half oz under 4 oz of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held on a $75,000 bond with a July 25 court date.

By Lindsay Carey
Staff Writer
After a few incidents of vandalism and other appropriate behavior downtown, town officials met with business owners in town to discuss ways to make it safer.
Business owners made a couple of requests at the meeting, like a stronger police presence and training on the application of liquor laws.
Town Manager Garry Brumback expressed the concern of maintaining the image of downtown as a family oriented area.
“It’s perfectly fine to drink, but patrons and business owners need to do it responsibly,” said Brumback.
Town officials contacted The State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division for help in educating bar and restaurant owners about the laws and regulations regarding the sale of liquor.
The town partnered with the STEPS Coalition and Southington Police Department to host a two hour informational session at Hawk’s Landing Country Club on July 23.
Officer Tom Gallo described the meeting as a proactive measure on behalf of the town, so that bar and restaurant owners understand the processes and regulations before an incident occurs.
Agent Kevin Mercado, from the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division, covered permitting processes, liquor regulations and penalties for violating regulations.
“There’s an apparent lack of training associated with getting a liquor license,” said Brumback. “It’s always beneficial to have a better understanding of what you’re expected to do.”
Representatives from Apple Valley Bowling, the Aqua Turf, Back 9 Tavern at Southignton Country Club, The New Mill, Blue Moon, Cadillac Ranch, the Groggy Frog, Hawks Landing Country Club, Hydeaway Café, J Lynn’s Pub, Machiavelli’s, Mount Southington, Smokin’ with Chris and Wood N’ Tap attended the information session.
The Groggy Frog Owner Mike Montana said he personally found the meeting very informative and well organized even though he felt that he was already well versed in everything Mercado discussed.
“I’m glad that the people who attended learned something,” said Montana. “I wish that all the rest of the bars in town came.”
Although all of the business didn’t come, Kelly Leppard, head of the STEPS Coalition, said that she was happy with the turnout.
“It was nice to see the bars and restaurants come out and take time out of their schedules to learn and work as a team to try to prevent some of these problems even before they start,” said Officer Gallo.
Gallo said many of the restaurant representatives asked some good questions, including questions regarding under aged drinking.
“Underage drinking is always a concern from alcohol poisoning to getting in a car and driving,” said Gallo. “Now they’re all up to date with the new laws and they have a face behind the name if they have questions.”

The Southington Police Department is investigating a car accident involving a car and a motorcycle that occurred Thursday night, August 7, in the area of 570 Main Street.

According to police, Kenneth J. Zakrewski, 51, of Southington, was traveling north bound on Main Street (Route 10). Zakrewski turned left to enter the Gas Man gas station, colliding with a motorcycle operated by James W. Leonrad, 27, of Southington.

Leonrad, along with passenger Amanda M. Horvath, 27, of Bristol, was traveling South on Main Street.

Leonard and Horvath both sustained non-life threatening injuries.  Leonard was transported to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.  Horvath was transported to Waterbury Hospital.

Both Leonard and Horvath were reported to be in stable condition.

Anyone witnessing this collision or with information is pleased asked to contact Officer Ryan lair by Phone (860) 621-0101 or by email at rlair@southingtonpolice.org.

A local volunteer firefighter was arrested for allegedly starting a dumpster fire in the Raya Clinic parking lot in early June.

On Wednesday, August 20,

Christopher Newman

, 24, of 146 South St., third floor, Bristol, surrendered to police after learning there was a warrant out for his arrest.

According to the arrest warrant, Newman, a volunteer firefighter in Southington, allegedly started a dumpster fire in the parking lot near the Raya Clinic and Mad Hatter Car Wash at 200 Queen St. on the evening of June 2.

Newman was charged with reckless burning and second degree criminal mischief. He was held on a $5,000 bond with a Sept. 2 court date.

The Southington Fire Department, through Chief Harold Clark,  released the following statement after learning of Newman’s arrest.

“Southington Fire Department is disappointed that a volunteer probationary firefighter has been charged with reckless burning and criminal mischief second-degree. The Southington Fire Department understands that no one has been convicted of any crime. The Department would like to stress that this incident is in no way representative of the dedicated job that all of our firefighters do every day for the town of Southington.  Our volunteer firefighters have built an outstanding reputation for the past 130 years serving the citizens of Southington.”

The Southington Police Department is investigating an early morning accident that saw a car rollover and collide with a utility pole.

Police responded to the area of 311 Hightower Road at 4 a.m., following a report of a motor vehicle accident.

When the police arrived, they found that the sole occupant of the car, Connor Morrell, 20, of Southington, was free from the vehicle. Morrell suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

According to police, an initial investigation shows that the vehicle was traveling south on High Tower Road and left the travel portion of the roadway and struck the utility pole. The pole was snapped in half, bringing down the connected power lines, necessitating the need for the Southington Fire Department and CL&P.

The roadway in the area of the accident was closed while the pole and utility lines were repaired.

The case remains under investigation and no enforcement action has yet been taken.

Southington Police have charged a Bloomfield man with having weapons in his vehicle and possession of marijuana after responding to a suspicious vehicle complaint.

On Wednesday, August 27, police were called to Ford Street. According to police, Robert Campbell, 44, of Bloomfield, allegedly provided a false name and date of birth when he was questioned.

When he was being taken into custody, police found two 6” kitchen style knives in the car that were accessible to Campbell from the driver’s seat and 2.7 grams of marijuana was found in his pants pocket.

Police positively identified Campbell after he produced a state of Connecticut identification card.

Campbell was charged with interfering with officers, possession of marijuana and having weapons in his vehicle. Bond was set at $5,000 with a Sept. 8 court date.

The Southington Police Department, along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office, has announced the kick-off of an Anti-Texting Enforcement Project, as part of the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” campaign. This effort by state and local police will enforce Connecticut’s tough law that prohibits motorists from texting and/or using hand-held cell phones while driving.

The crackdown will run from Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Wednesday, Sept. 24.

This enforcement mobilization marks the first time the State has utilized dedicated federal funds meant to curb this unsafe driving behavior. Law enforcement patrols will target motorists who choose to ignore Connecticut’s hand held mobile phone ban.  Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines, ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.

We want you to know, if you choose to engage in this potentially deadly behavior there will be consequences in the form of a substantial fine. Enforcement patrols will be out in force throughout Southington, in an effort to stress Connecticut’s zero tolerance for distracted drivers.

The state, through the Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office was the only one in the nation to receive $2.3 million in federal distracted driving prevention funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Connecticut’s strong laws and policies aimed at keeping driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel made the State eligible for this funding source.

The Southington Police Department’s goal is not only be to ticket motorists who disobey Connecticut Statute  we also hope to save lives by changing people’s behavior and deterring this all too common activity.

While the focused enforcement mobilization will end on Sept. 24, many law enforcement agencies have indicated that enforcing Connecticut’s tough hand held mobile phone ban remains a priority.

For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit www/distraction.gov.

The Southington Police Department briefly placed Kennedy Middle School and Strong Elementary School in lockdown, as a precautionary measure following a reported bank robbery.

The lockdown was lifted at 10:15 a.m., after it was determined that there was no threat to the schools.

The lockdown was called for following reports of a bank robbery at the TB Bank at 921 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike.

By Ed Harris

Editor

By Ed Harris
Police say this is the getaway vehicle used by the alleged robber of the TD Bank on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike. The suspect crashed the car and then broke into a nearby house, where, according to police, he took his own life.

The Southington Police Department is investigating a robbery at the TD Bank on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, where an alleged robber fled the scene, caused two accidents and then broke into a house and ultimately killed himself.

According to Southington Police Department Lt. Michael Baribault, police received call about a bank robbery at the TD Bank at 921 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike at 9:16 Tuesday morning.  According to police, the lone male suspect, identified as Brian Jacobs, 28, of 222 Governors St., New Britain, implied that he had a weapon, though it was not shown. Jacobs then left the bank with $7,160 and fled west on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in an old model blue box style vehicle.

Police said that Jacobs had a minor accident with another car near the Extra Mart. Jacobs then fled this scene and would crash the car after losing control and hitting the curb and a sign at the intersection of Marion Avenue and Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.

According to Baribault, Jacobs then fled to 1264 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, where he kicked the door in to gain entrance to the home.

“There was no one home at the time,” Baribault said.

Baribault said the man then proceeded to use a kitchen knife to slit his own throat.

According to Baribault, Jacobs was previously arrested for robbing the same TD Bank in 2011. In that November 30 robbery, Jacobs made off with $1,500.

The Southington Police Department briefly placed Kennedy Middle School and Strong Elementary School in lockdown, as a precautionary measure following the bank robbery.

The lockdown was lifted at 10:15 a.m., after it was determined that there was no threat to the schools.

The police are still investigating the robbery and will release more information as it becomes available.

The Southington Police Department is investigating an armed robbery at the Burger King on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike.

Police responded to the restaurant, located at 1850 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

According to police, an investigation shows that three or four males, believed to be Hispanic, entered the rear of Burger King after an employee took out the garbage. During the course of the robbery, one suspect displayed an unknown type of handgun and struck a Burger King employee over the head causing an injury.  The victim was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury to the head.

The suspects fled the area in a vehicle, possibly a silver Acura with tinted windows. The vehicle was last seen traveling south on Knotter Drive, towards Cheshire.  A description of the suspect vehicle was broadcasted to surrounding towns and the Connecticut State Police. However the vehicle was not located. There was an unknown amount of cash taken during the robbery.

The Southington Police Department Detective Division is investigating and anyone with information is asked to call the Southington Police at 860-621-0101.

This is the second robbery on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in as many days. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, TD Bank, located at 921 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, was robbed by Brian Jacobs, 22, of New Britain.

By Lindsay Carey
Staff Writer
Community service for vandals will now be at the discretion of business owners, according to Town Councilor Dawn Miceli.
“If they want the vandals once they are caught to have to serve community service as restitution for their crimes, we will be able to do that through our Southington Juvenile Review Board,” said Miceli, at a recent Town Council meeting.
Depending on the offense, Southington youth under the age of 18 can go before the Juvenile Review Board if they have admitted guilt and if it is their first offense.
Miceli and Sue Saucier, from Youth Services, worked with the review board to make it possible for property owners to request that the juvenile come and clean up the graffiti as a part of the ACT On It, the Anonymous Community Tip Line and anti-vandalism public awareness campaign Miceli launched earlier this year.
“It makes sense for them to have to pay back the specific victim for the criminal activity they were involved in,” said Saucier.
This expansion to the campaign is also meant to educate the vandals about the price of vandalism and how it impacts the business owner and community.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the convicted youth to learn just how costly vandalism can be in financial terms and the destructive nature of it,” said Miceli. “It’s costly to our community on so many levels.”
Saucier also suggested the community service could be an opportunity for the juvenile to make a connection with a positive business leader in town.
“Positive role models get kids back on the right track,” said Saucier.
There are ACT On It posters and signs around town that display the campaign’s logo and the tip line phone number, 860-276-1234.
Since Miceli started the campaign there has been an increase in police patrol and now through the Juvenile Review Board and there will be consequences for vandalism.
In addition to these efforts, Youth Services purchased key chains and refrigerator magnets with the logo and tip line number on it.
“It’s upsetting to us at youth services, the STEPs coalition and also for residents to hear about the kind of vandalism that has been going on in the last six months,” said Saucier. “We were happy that we were able to help in our small way.”
Miceli said that the key chains and magnets were created in an additional effort to promote the tip line and remind citizens to contact the tip line if they see suspicious people, vehicles or activity.
“If we are all vigilant to what is going on in our community we can make stamping out vandalism that much easier,” said Miceli.
The key chains and magnets will be placed in baskets in the YMCA, the health department, the library, the town clerks office, local businesses and will also be available at the town council.
Saucier welcomed local businesses to contact youth services if they would like to have some on display.
Miceli and Saucier are hoping that the key chains and refrigerator magnets serve will serve as a reminder, so that the town is notified as soon as possible and the graffiti can be removed immediately.
According to Miceli, this will serve as an indication to vandals that the town of Southington is not going to tolerate it in the community.
“It’s just another way to keep eyes on the subject, so that we’ll be able to be a proactive community instead of reactive,’ said Miceli. “If we see something we need to say something.”

Three Bronx NY residents were charged with identity theft and other charges following an alleged attempt to fraudulently obtain cell phones at Simply Wireless.

Police responded to the Queen Street store shortly before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, following a complaint that a woman was trying to obtain cell phones with a possible fraudulent driver’s license.

Police were also informed that there was a vehicle parked on the side of the store that employees thought was involved in the incident. Patrol officers located a gray Acura, with New York registration, and found two men seated in the vehicle.

The males were identified as Jose Rainiel Rivera Hernandez, 21, and Juan Francisco Sanchez Ramos, 22, both of the Bronx. Police identified the female as Jazmin Toribio, 26, also of the Bronx.

According to police, Toribio had entered the Simply Wireless store and asked to add additional phones to an account. She provided a fraudulent driver’s license containing the name of an actual account holder.

When asked, Toribio was able to provide information the account holder would have known.  Toribio’s behavior inside the store roused the suspicions of employees and store managers. Staff at the store had been previously alerted to a series of frauds of a similar nature.

Police questioned the three suspects about how they ended up in Southington and found inconsistencies in their stories. Police determined that the individual account holder had not authorized any activity on their account.

Following an investigation, police determined that the three suspects had come to Connecticut with the purpose of obtaining cell phones to add onto the accounts of unsuspecting Verizon customers.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Dobratz said in a release that items of evidence were located to support that Toribio, Rivera Hernandez, and Sanchez Ramos, had conspired to fraudulently obtain high end cell phones. The investigation further revealed that Rivera Hernandez had provided Toribio with the fraudulent identification.

All three parties were taken into custody and transported to the Southington Police Department.

Toribio was charged with third degree identity theft and criminal attempt to commit fifth degree larceny. Bond was set at $20,000 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Ramos was charged conspiracy to commit identity theft and conspiracy to commit fifth degree larceny. He was held on a $25,000 bond with a Sept. 3 court date.

Hernandez was charged with trafficking in personal identifying information, conspiracy to commit identity theft and conspiracy to commit fifth degree larceny. He was held on a $25,000 bond with a Sept. 3 court date.

A lockdown at Kennedy Middle School was lifted once the suspicious person was determined to be a student at the school.

At about 11 a.m., a staff member at the school reported a white male, 5’7” tall, wearing a green military jacket in the school’s hallways. The staff member erred on the side of caution and notified the school’s main office, which instituted a lockdown.

A Southington Police officer, who was at the school for a visitation, assisted with the lockdown and directed additional police resources to the school.

During the search, a Kennedy student, matching the original description of the suspicious person, was located inside of a classroom. The student was positively identified as the person seen walking in the hallway.

After a thorough secondary search of the building an “all clear” was given and students were dismissed to their next classroom.

Earlier story: Kennedy Middle School has been placed on lockdown, following a report of a suspicious person in the area.

Southington School Supt. Timothy Connellan said that a person, that was not a part of the school or the construction staff on site, was spotted and the school was then placed in lockdown. This means the students are locked in their classrooms with teachers and faculty and the blinds are down.

Connellan said that police are on sight, sweeping the area.

A Cheshire woman employed at the Home Depot on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike was charged with larceny after an investigation found that she had stolen more than $18,000 from the store.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26,

Patricia Croteau

, 59, surrendered to police after learning that there was a warrant for her arrest.

According to a Southington Police Department release, the warrant was the result of an investigation initiated by Home Depot Asset Protection after they were notified that cash and change order deposits was unaccounted for.

The total amount of the loss was $18,282.65.

According to the warrant, Croteau was the one who prepared the deposits and payments for the store. Croteau would prepare deposits and not submit them for pickup by the armored car service.

Croteau was charted with second degree larceny. She was released on a $20,000 non-surety bond and given a Sept. 29 court date.

The Southington Police Department has reported the following arrests.

Chelsea Battles, 21, of 1022 Pleasant St., was charged on Sept. 3 with third degree burglary, second degree criminal mischief and third degree criminal mischief. Bond was set at $3,000 with a Sept. 15 court date.

John A. Sabino, 18, of 94 Bristol St., was charged on Sept. 3 with disorderly conduct. Bond was set at $500 with a Sept. 4 court date.

Joshua E. Jennings, 28, of 670 West Center St., was charged on Sept. 4 with second degree breach of peace and criminal mischief. Bond was set at $1,000 with a Sept. 5 court date.

Frank L. Lenge, 60, of 814 Laning St., was charged on Sept. 4 with public indecency. Bond was set at $5,000 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Anthony Angelone, 27, of 215 Old Turnpike Rd., was charged on Sept. 6 with second degree threatening and second degree harassment. Bond was set at $2,000 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Michael D. Olmstead, 34, of 1737 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, was charged on Sept. 7 with sixth degree larceny. Bond was set at $1,000 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Frank Damiano, 53, of 54 Wilbur St., was charged on Sept. 7 with breach of peace, second degree violation of the conditions of release, third degree criminal mischief and interfering with an officer. Bond was set at $10,500 with a Sept. 8 court date.

Mihail Hatziasavvas, 55, of 24 Morningside Lane, was charged on Sept. 7 with disorderly conduct. Bond was set at $1,000 with a Sept. 8 court date.

Tracy Catlin, 33, of 120 Glen St., Kensington, was charged on Sept. 7 with disorderly conduct. Bond was set at $1,000 with a Sept. 8 court date.

Lyndand Feliciano, 40, of 46 Bianca Rd., Bristol, was charged on Sept. 5 with sixth degree larceny. Bond was set at $500 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Robert W. Usborne Jr., 33, of 10 Pine Terrace, Bristol, was charged on Sept. 8 with sixth degree larceny. Bond was set at $2,500 with a Sept. 8 court date.

Stacey Santoli-Bird, 38, of 670 Buckingham St., Oakville, was charged on Sept. 8 with sixth degree larceny. Bond was set at $500 with a Sept. 22 court date.

Stacey Berry, 38, of 24 Sandra Ave., Terryville, was charged on Sept. 8 with sixth degree larceny. Bond was set at $500 with a Sept. 15 court date.

Three women were arrested on prostitution charges following an undercover operation conducted by Southington Police Department detectives.

The operation, which took place on Friday, Sept. 19, was planned in response to reports and complaints that prostitutes were active at several Southington hotels.

An undercover officer, working with the Southington Special Investigations Unit, posed as a customer and contacted several known prostitutes who were offering their services on the website backpage.com. Arrangements were made to meet the undercover officer at a local motel room where there were discussions of exchanging money for sexual activities.

Brandy Milone, 24, of 2636 South Main St., Waterbury, was charged with prostitution.

Lori Jo Gineo, 29, of 944 Asylum Ave., Apt. B-4, Hartford, was charged with prostitution and interfering with an officer.

Darlene Martino, 51, of 108 Midwood Ave., Wolcott, was charged with prostitution and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lori Jo Gineo

Brandy Milone

Darlene Martino

A Meriden man was charged with falsely reporting an incident after he allegedly filed a false report that he was the victim of a home invasion following a visit from a prostitute.

Joseph Sanchez

, 26, surrendered to police on Tuesday, Sept. 23 after learning there was a warrant out for his arrests.

According to a release from the Southington Police Department, Sanchez called police and reported that he was a victim of a home invasion in Southington on June 24, at a place he was visiting. During the investigation, Sanchez gave different accounts and statements to investigators.

Police determined that Sanchez had contacted a prostitute for an encounter and during that time an electronic device was stolen. The alleged prostitute was never identified and there were no other witnesses located.

Sanchez was charged with second degree providing a false statement, falsely reporting an incident, patronizing a prostitute, criminal liability for the acts of another/sixth degree larceny and interfering with an officer’s investigation. He was released on a promise to appear and was given an Oct. 6 court date.

The Southington Police Department responded to a medical emergency at the truck stop on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike at about 9 a.m. this morning. The man who had the medical emergency passed at the scene.

Police are not releasing the name of the man at this time.

Detectives are reviewing video footage to see what led up to the medical emergency.

By Lindsay Carey

Staff Writer

The Town Council recently voted unanimously to offer $200, the maximum reward, for information leading to a conviction of the vandal responsible for the recent tagging of the newly paved Berlin Avenue.
The maximum reward for information is typically $200, but Town Manager Garry Brumback increased the amount to $1,000, following a meeting with Police Chief Jon Daly.
Southington resident Art Cyr brought the tagging incident, which allegedly occurred during the day on Friday, Sept. 19, to the attention of the council.
Cyr suggested that the council offer some kind of reward in hopes that it would encourage people to come forward and reveal who the vandal is. He told the council that the individual responsible for the spray paint on Berlin Avenue goes by the initials “RL.”
He commended the ACT on It the anti-vandalism campaign for its anonymous tip line, however, he said he believes it’s a program that “needs some teeth behind it.”
Chairman Michael Riccio agreed with Cyr’s suggestion and said that council should respond to this incident in particular since it was brought to their attention publically.
“This really irritates me, we just spent tens of thousands of dollars on a brand new street,” said Riccio. “Let’s make an example out of it.”
Rewards between $50 to $200 are available, but left up to the discretion of the town manager and the police.
“It’s dependent on the information that’s garnered,” said Councilor Dawn Miceli, a driving force behind the tip line.
Both Miceli and Brumback said that there have been plenty of other serious tagging incidents all over town and the Southington Police Department has been responding to each incident appropriately.
According to Miceli, they made an arrest for vandalism in the last couple of weeks.
“We have had other heavy handed graffiti as well none of it is good so I think we need to make an example out of all of it,” said Miceli.
However, some of the other town council members felt strongly that this incident be handled differently.
Councilwoman Victoria Triano made a motion to authorize the town manager to reward $200 for anyone with valid information on the vandal that goes by “RL.”
“I think we need to hit anyone who’s doing this hard for the first six months, because we’re not playing games here,” said Triano regarding the anti-vandalism campaign.
Triano said that once they find out who is responsible for the incident on Berlin Ave. they intend to prosecute.
Riccio went as far as to say that they are prepared to make the parents of vandals pay, if the person responsible cannot afford to.
“If we catch you, get ready, because we’re going to come after your wallet,” said Riccio.
The town highway department had a crew go out and clean up the vandalism two days after the council meeting.