65-Year-Old Woman Ran Crime Enterprise From Danbury Apartment: PD

DANBURY, CT — Police have charged a 65-year-old Danbury woman with criminal attempt to sell cigarettes without a license, criminal attempt to sell liquor without a permit and a variety of drug offenses. It is the fifth time in two years she has been arrested for running an illegal business from her Foster Street apartment.

The Danbury police apprehended Vera Lucia Ribeiro-Menezes on Nov. 6, following an investigation and the execution of a search warrant, according to Det. Lt. Mark Williams.

Police confiscated several thousand dollars, a large quantity of alcohol and cigarettes and a small quantity of marijuana in their latest investigation. A search warrant execution in 2018 resulted in similar offenses and the seizure of thousands of dollars and a large quantity of alcohol and cigarettes, according to the report from the Danbury PD.

"As Ribeiro-Menezes' business has attracted a lot of foot and vehicle traffic to the area, our attention has repeatedly been drawn to her apartment," Williams said.

The accused's apartment sits directly across the street from Head Start of Northern Fairfield County, an elderly housing complex and is part of a neighborhood comprised of multifamily dwellings.

Ribeiro-Menezes was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,500 feet of a school, sale of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal attempt to dispense alcohol without a permit, and unlicensed sale of cigarettes. She was later released on a promise to appear in court at a later date and time.