Suspect Accused Of $20,000 Fraudulent Returns Scam At Westport Store: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A 36-year-old Hamden man was arrested on larceny charges by Westport police in connection with fraudulent returns amounting to more than $20,000 from the Brooks Brothers store on Main Street, according to authorities.

Jacqui Lavalle-Williams was turned over to Westport police by his parole officer on Jan. 21; Westport police had obtained a warrant for Lavalle-Williams' arrest on charges of first-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny.

The case began this past October, when the store contacted Westport police about an alleged returned merchandise scam.

"The complainant alleged that through investigation it was learned that two employees of the Brooks Brothers store located at 136 Main Street had committed larceny through the processing of fraudulent merchandise returns," said Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso in a statement. "Multiple no receipt return transactions were found to have been credited to store branded gift/merchandise cards and/or a debit card on numerous occasions. Jacqui Lavalle-Williams was alleged to have profited over $20,000.00 through these fraudulent means."

Westport police anticipate making an additional arrest in the case, Prezioso added.

Lavalle-Williams was held in lieu of bail of $50,000, which he was unable to post. He has been remanded to the custody of the state Department of Corrections on an alleged parole violation, and remains in custody.

Information on Lavalle-Williams' next court date was not available.