Man Looking For Staples HS Coaching Job Steals From Students: PD

WESTPORT, CT — A 46-year-old Ansonia man who told Staples High School staff that he was looking for a coaching job, entered the boys locker room and stole backpacks, electronics and other personal items from students, according to Westport police.

Artay Drinks was arrested on a warrant early Monday in connection with the Oct. 8 incident. He was charged with third-, sixth- and two counts of fourth-degree larceny.

Westport police said Drinks went to the school at about 5 p.m. on the 8th and asked to speak to the athletic director about a coaching job, for which he provided his name and cell phone number.

Soon after, several students reported to police that the items, including cash, were missing after they had left them in the locker room.

"It was determined that all of the stolen items had been taken within a brief time frame," wrote Westport police in a statement. "An investigation into the matter including a review of surveillance video taken from the hallways of the school led to the development of Artay Drinks as a suspect.

"Drinks was captured on camera leaving the locker room area carrying some of the items reported as stolen."

Westport police obtained an arrest warrant for Drinks, and he was picked up by Waterbury police and turned over to the Westport department on Nov. 4.

Drinks was held in lieu of bail of $6,500 and was scheduled to be arraigned in Norwalk Superior Court later on Nov. 4.