Stamford Police were notified of an arrest in Florida that turned out to be a suspect wanted in connection to two incidents in Stamford, one in 1998 and the other in 2006.
The suspect was identified by Sgt. Peter DiSpagna as Luis Rodrigues, 46, formerly of Stamford, and his story began in 1998, when he is alleged to had hoodwinked a shop selling collectibles out of $2,400.
According to DiSpagna, Rodrigues arranged to purchase a signed photo of Princess Diana and another signed photo by both Prince William and Princess Diana from a collector in New York. The shop owner sent the photos and was allegedly sent multiple checks totaling $2,400, deposited them and went on vacation, only to return and discover the checks had bounced.
A warrant was issued on Sept. 14, 1998.
Over four days in January 2006, Rodrigues allegedly began working at Noelle Spa. Police received a complaint from management that a "substantial amount" of tip money placed in workers mailbox section of the office had started going missing, DiSpagna said.
Police said the spa set up a surveillance camera and witnessed Rodrigues entering the area, where he had no reason to be, and removing the money from various mailboxes of other workers. His job had been to arrange appointments, the sergeant said.
According to DiSpagna, the losses at the spa totaled approximately $7,500 The thefts took place from January 3 to January 6. Rodrigues then disappeared from the area, Rodrigues said, until he resurfaced again in Florida, where he was arrested there on unknown charges.
When Florida police discovered he had warrants in Virginia and Stamford, CT, they said him to Va., where he was arrested, charged, tried and sentenced. Va. then sent Rodrigues to Stamford, where he was arrested and charged and is awaiting trial and sentencing. Rodrigues will receive his sentence in Stamford, then be transported back to Va., where he will serve out that sentence first. Stamford's sentence may be served concurrently or Rodrigues may be told to return to Stamford for further jail time following time served in Va.
DiSpagna said the decision would be up to the court system.
In Stamford, Rodrigues faces charges of third-degree larceny in the 1998 case and second-degree larceny in 2006.
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Stamford Arrests
Pedro Castro, 34, of Cove Rd., charged early Tuesday with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, failure to drive right and failure to obey a stop sign.
Arber Isaku, 23, of Mitchell St., charged Monday night with third-degree forgery and sixth-degree larceny.
Ramone Martinez, 26, of Givens Ave., charged Monday morning with disorderly conduct, third-degree assault, interfering with an emergency call and violation of a protective order.
Alexander Maurcio Melo, 45, of N. Debaun Ave. of Suffern, NY, charged Monday morning with second-degree strangulation, second-degree threatening and disorderly conduct.
Leaward Evans Powell, 21, of Adams Ave., charged Monday night with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
Steven Vernard Turkvan, 45, of Lipton Pl., charged early Tuesday with illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension.
Jose Zayas, 38, of Pacific St., charged Monday morning with creating a public disturbance.
