Clinton Police have arrested Kathleen "Sissy" Ruggiero, 53, of 349 Laurel Street in East Haven and charged her with insurance fraud, criminal attempt to commit larceny and providing a false statement.
According to police, Ruggiero was arrested March 26 after she was stopped in her vehicle by the Connecticut State Police. During this time, state police determined she was wanted by the Clinton Police.
During an eight-month long investigation by the police, it was determined that a fire at Ruggiero's vacated residence at 52 Airline Road in Clinton was arson.
Find out what's happening in Clintonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to police, after the house burned, Ruggiero made an insurance claim for the damage to the house and attempted to make claims for the theft of items from the residence. These items were determined to have been removed from the residence prior to the fire at the direction of Ruggiero.
Police say she also lied to investigators during the course of the investigation and was charged with providing a false statement.
Find out what's happening in Clintonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ruggiero was reached by phone at her East Haven address. Prior to hanging up the phone, Ruggiero said she "didn't do anything and is being accused." She did say she has two attorneys: Frank Ricccio of Bridgeport and John Laudati of Farmington.
Ruggiero was released on a $100,000 court set bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior court on April 5 at 9am.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clinton Police Department at 860-669-0451 x1250 or the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-84ARSON.
Look to the Clinton Patch for future articles about this ongoing case.
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