Norwalk Man Accused Of Stealing Woman's Belongings And Pawning Them: Westport PD

WESTPORT, CT — A 49-year-old Norwalk man was arrested recently on burglary, larceny and related charges in connection with the theft of items from a Westport woman's home which he later pawned, according to police.

The incident occurred in October, 2016, when the Weston Road resident told police that her purse was missing from her home.

"The victim of this incident reported she was unable to locate her purse, and her bank advised her of fraudulent activity on her account," wrote police in a statement. "[Westport Police] Officer Ruta Pratt was advised that the victim’s belonging were located in the parking lot of a Pawn Shop in Bridgeport. Officer Pratt followed up with the pawn shop and learned that the items located were taken out of the victim’s home, indicating a burglary had taken place."

Soon after, Officer Pratt also followed up with People’s United Bank in Stamford "and learned that the suspect withdrew $300.00 on the victim’s account."

The bank teller identified the suspect as Ernest Bailey, "a known criminal," according to police.

Bailey, who was in the custody of Norwalk police for a different crime, was interviewed by Pratt. "Bailey admitted to conspiring with another individual on the crimes he was going to be charged with."

Westport police connected items sold at the pawn shop by Bailey as the items taken from the victim’s home, and on April 24 charged him with:

• Burglary, 3rd degree
• Larceny, 3rd degree
• Credit Card Theft
• Conspiracy Larceny, 3rd degree
• Conspiracy Burglary, 3rd degree

He was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

"A warrant is forthcoming for the second individual involved," wrote Westport police.

Photo: Ernest Bailey. Photo credit: Westport Police Department