PD: Firefighter Stole $125k from 95-Year-Old Woman

A New Haven firefighter is facing charges after he allegedly stole about $125,000 from a 95-year-old woman.

The victim contacted police in September to report that several thousand dollars were missing from her bank accounts.

Police followed-up with the victim and discovered she had been victimized for nearly three years, said Officer David Hartman, police spokesman.

A few months ago firefighters responded to the woman’s Fair Haven Heights home on a medical call. She told firefighters she’d met a colleague of theirs identified as Kenneth Burgos, 41, of New Haven years ago on another call.

She told firefighters that he gained her trust and let him control her finances, but that he had stolen a lot of money, Hartman said.

Firefighters informed Chief Allyn Wright, who placed Burgos on paid administrative leave. Burgos is a 17-year veteran of the department.

Burgos was arrested Monday night after detectives obtained a signed arrest warrant. He is charged with first-degree larceny and tampering with a witness.

“This type of crime is particularly upsetting. When someone abuses their authority to take advantage of someone so vulnerable, we are all shaken,” said Assistant Chief Archie Generoso. “I want to personally thank the firefighters who, without hesitation, came forward with what they’d learned.”

Lt. Tony Reyes, commanding officer of the detective bureau thanked Detective Reid and Detective Sgt. Elisa Tuozzoli for their hard work on the case.