NBPD Fraud Investigation Leads to Arrest and Extradition from Florida

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — The North Branford Police Department Detective Bureau has arrested a Florida man following an extensive fraud investigation involving a sophisticated financial scam that targeted a 75-year-old North Branford resident, officials said.

The investigation was led by Detective Massimo Piroli, who determined that the victim had been deceived by individuals posing as trusted representatives, resulting in the theft of a substantial amount of money from the victim's financial accounts, police said.

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As a result of the investigation, Piroli secured an extraditable arrest warrant for Justin Dwyer Sr., 32, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to a police news release.

On July 15, Dwyer Sr. was taken into custody in Fort Lauderdale, where he was held as a fugitive from justice on the warrant issued by North Branford police. He was then extradited to Connecticut and charged with:

• Larceny in the Second Degree
• Identity Theft in the First Degree
• Money Laundering in the Fourth Degree
• Illegal Use of a Credit/Debit Card
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Second Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft in the First Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering in the Fourth Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Use of a Credit/Debit Card

Dwyer Sr. was arraigned in state Superior Court Thursday.

July 16, 2026, in accordance with Connecticut law.The North Branford Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Margate Police Department, the Broward County Sheriff's Office (Colonel Ahmed Munib, Colonel John Hale, Captain Shelunda Cooper), the New Haven State's Attorney's Office, and all assisting law enforcement agencies for their outstanding cooperation, coordination, and assistance in locating, apprehending, and extraditing Dwyer Sr. to Connecticut.

In a news release, North Branford police said residents should “remain vigilant against financial scams.”

They said criminal organizations frequently target older adults by impersonating financial institutions, government agencies, technical support representatives, or other trusted entities in an effort to obtain access to victims' financial accounts or personal information.

Police said folks should independently verify any unsolicited requests involving money, banking information, or personal identifying information and are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency immediately if they believe they have been targeted.

"Financial crimes targeting our senior citizens are among the most reprehensible offenses we investigate,” Chief James Lovelace said.

“These criminals intentionally prey upon vulnerable individuals, often causing devastating financial losses and emotional hardship. Let this arrest serve as a clear message: regardless of where offenders attempt to hide, the North Branford Police Department will work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify them, locate them, and bring them back to Connecticut to face justice. We remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting our residents and holding those who exploit our community fully accountable."

All persons arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges listed are based on probable cause and do not constitute a conviction.