$25,000 Home Improvement Fraud Arrest Leads Milford Police Blotter

A New Haven man was arrested last week on a $100,000 bond in connection with an alleged home improvement fraud that left a Milford homeowner more than $25,000 out of pocket, according to the Milford Police Department's May 28 daily press release.

The arrest was one of five documented in the release, which covered incidents between May 18 and May 22. Two of the arrests involved alleged domestic violence, one was a driving under the influence case, and the others involved evading responsibility and breach of peace.

All individuals listed below are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information is taken directly from the Milford Police Department's daily press release dated May 28, 2026.

Home Improvement Fraud — $100,000 Bond

Fredy Lopez De Leon, 34, of 9 Warren Place, New Haven, was taken into Milford Police custody on May 22 on an active arrest warrant. According to the department, De Leon is accused of committing home improvement fraud "by not properly finishing work causing the victim to be out over $25,000."

He was charged with Larceny in the First Degree and Failure to Refund Amount Paid for Home Improvement under Connecticut General Statutes. Bond was set at $100,000, and his court date is listed as May 26, 2026.

The arrest was processed at Connecticut State Police Troop G. The investigation was handled by Detective Sergeant Lacey of the Milford Police Department.

Under Connecticut law, first-degree larceny applies when the value of stolen or fraudulently obtained property exceeds $20,000.

Driving Under the Influence — Hit and Run

Anthony White, 40, of 107 Shanley Street, Stratford, was arrested May 19 after Milford Police were dispatched to an evading complaint at 232 Bridgeport Avenue.

According to the department, the suspect vehicle fled toward Milford Center, allegedly struck a sign on Broad Street, and continued fleeing. Officers located the vehicle and the driver, and the investigation led to White's arrest.

He was charged with Driving Under the Influence and Evading Responsibility. Police reported the investigation indicated White was under the influence of drugs at the time. Bond was set at $1,000, with a court date of June 16, 2026. The case was handled by Officers Davidson and Lamb.

Domestic Violence — Disorderly Conduct

Uniese Rivera, 35, was arrested May 22 after Milford Police received information regarding a possible domestic violence incident. According to the department, Rivera is accused of "hitting the victim twice in the face."

She was charged with Disorderly Conduct under the Connecticut domestic violence statute. Bond was set as a promise to appear, with a court date of May 26, 2026. The arresting officer was Officer Banks.

Domestic Violence — Breach of Peace at Washington Field

Americus Festa, 34, of 184 W. Main Street, was arrested May 22 after Milford Police were dispatched to Washington Field for a breach of peace.

According to the department, Festa is accused of causing a disturbance and "grabbing the victim by the throat in front of officers." The department further reported that Festa was uncooperative with the booking process and "intentionally urinated in the booking facility."

He was charged with Breach of Peace, Interfering with an Officer, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $5,000, with a court date of May 26, 2026. The arresting officer was Officer Egersheim. (The report number listed for this incident, 3385-25, appears to reflect a typographical error in the press release; other May 2026 reports in the same document use the 2026 designation.)

Evading Responsibility — Broad Street Sign

Joshua Fleisch, 47, of 21 Wayland Road, was arrested May 18 after Milford Police responded to an evading complaint near Broad Street and Greens End Place.

According to the department, Fleisch is accused of striking a sign on Broad Street and leaving the scene. He was charged with Evading Responsibility and No Insurance. Bond was set as a promise to appear, with a court date of June 16, 2026. The arresting officer was Officer Egersheim.

Breach of Peace — 306 Naugatuck Avenue

Charles Carloni, 60, was arrested May 22 after Milford Police were dispatched to 306 Naugatuck Avenue for a breach of peace incident.

According to the department, Carloni is accused of "causing a disturbance and breaking items" at the address. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set as a promise to appear, with a court date of June 18, 2026. The arresting officer was Officer Egersheim.

A Note on Home Improvement Fraud

Connecticut requires home improvement contractors to be registered with the Department of Consumer Protection. Homeowners can verify a contractor's registration status, look up complaint history, and check whether a contractor is in good standing at portal.ct.gov/dcp.

Connecticut's Home Improvement Act also requires that contracts for work exceeding $200 be in writing, signed by both parties, and include specific provisions including a start date, completion date, and notice of cancellation rights.

Residents who believe they may have been victims of home improvement fraud can contact the Milford Police Department at (203) 878-6551 or file a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.