East Haven Man, 44, Charged In $254K Home Depot Fraud Investigation: East Haven Police

EAST HAVEN, CT—Monday, police arrested Robert Christopher Nilsen, 44, of East Haven, following an investigation into a fraudulent business scheme that resulted in more than $250,000 in losses to The Home Depot, East Haven police spokesperson Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said.

The investigation began in July 2026 after The Home Depot's Corporate Security Division contacted the New Haven State's Attorney's Office regarding suspected fraudulent activity involving Nilsen, a former Home Depot sales representative, Murgo said.

East Haven Police's Investigative Services Division Detective Luke Rasile was assigned to investigate the allegations, and during the investigation, detectives learned that Nilsen had established a fraudulent business and used his position as a Home Depot sales representative to redirect payments from a construction company that was an existing customer of The Home Depot.

"Investigators determined that between May and September 2025, the construction company issued five checks totaling $253,820.88 to the fraudulent business for materials supplied by The Home Depot," Murgo said. "Despite providing the materials, Home Depot never received payment."

Rasile got a warrant that charged Nilsen with first-degree larceny, Murgo said. Monday, Nilsen was taken into custody without incident following a motor vehicle stop, police said.

After posting a $100,000 bond, Nilsen was released from custody, Murgo said. He's due in New Haven Superior Court, Nov. 18.