Massive Fencing Operation Guilty Plea for Former Durham Man

NEW HAVEN, CT — A city man who previously lived in Durham pleaded guilty to taking part in a large-scale fencing operation.

Andrew Sacco, 44, took part in a conspiracy to purchase stolen property from shoplifters, many of whom had opioid addictions, according to the U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut office. He would resell the property on online websites.

Often Sacco would instruct shoplifters on what items to steal and would buy them at one-third normal retail price, according to the U.S. Attorney office. Items were stored at Sacco's former Durham residence and business locations in North Haven. Retailers lost more than $3.9 million during the scheme.

Sacco pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of interstate transport of stolen property, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He agreed to forfeit his Durham home.

Co-conspirator Matthew Harwood pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property and one count of interstate transport of stolen property. He awaits sentencing.

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