2 Stamford Men Accused Of Stealing Checks From Darien Family: PD

DARIEN, CT — Two Stamford men were arrested on forgery, identity theft and related charges by Darien police last week in connection with a check-stealing scheme that preyed upon the girlfriend's Darien family of one of the suspects, according to authorities.

The case dates back to June, when Darien police were notified by the victim that his daughter's boyfriend, later identified as Sean M. Frangione, 41, of Weed Hill Avenue, had stolen checks from the victim's home.

"[The victim] also believed Frangione stole $300 in cash and a credit card from his dresser," wrote Darien police in a statement. "In total, 5 fraudulent checks had been cashed for a total of $1455. Several of the checks had been made out to a 'Robert Simmons.'"

Additionally, police said that a cash advance of more than $560 had been taken from the victim's credit card through the app Venmo.

"The bank had provided the complainant with cancelled checks and copies of both Frangione’s and Simmons’ IDs that they used when cashing the checks," police said. "When officers contacted Frangione, he stated that a check was given to him by the complainant, but refused to expand upon that information. Frangione agreed to come to headquarters to be interviewed, but neglected to show on the agreed upon date and time."

Police obtained warrants for both Frangione and Simmons, 51, of Pacific Street, and Simmons was apprehended on the warrant by Stamford police on Oct. 2.

"On October 4th at approximately [4:30 a.m.], Officers were dispatched to the area of Laforge Road for the report of a suspicious male looking into vehicle windows," Darien police said. "The suspect was last seen in the area of the Noroton Heights train station but was ultimately located on West Avenue. After identifying the male as Sean Frangione, it was determined that Frangione, had an active warrant out of this agency as well as a bench warrant out of the Monroe Police Department."

Frangione was charged by Darien police with the following:

• First-degree forgery
• Second-degree identity theft
• Sixth-degree larceny
• Conspiracy to commit forgery
• Conspiracy to commit identity theft
• Violation of probation (Monroe PD)

Simmons was charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit forgery
• Conspiracy to commit identity theft
• Fifth-degree larceny
• First-degree forgery
• Identity theft

Frangione was held in lieu of combined bail of $35,000 (Darien and Monroe charges), while Simmons was held in lieu of bail of $50,000. Both are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.