NAUGATUCK — An ongoing investigation into a string of burglaries throughout the state led to the arrest of a borough antique shop owner.
On Nov. 28, police arrested Sebastian “Joe” Gibilsco, 66, of 233 Chipper Road, Waterbury, on an arrest warrant. Gibilsco, who owns Joe’s Antiques at 160 Church St., was caught on surveillance buying a stolen silver pocket watch Nov. 3 that was traced back to a burglary in Middlebury, according to Lt. Robert Harrison of the Naugatuck Police Department.
Harrison said Naugatuck police are working with other police departments in the state to investigate a string of burglaries that have occurred over the past 10 months. The burglaries have occurred in Naugatuck, surrounding towns, and towns along the Route 8, I-84 and I-95 corridors, including Middletown and Middlebury, he said.
The investigation led police to Joe’s Antiques at which police used electronic surveillance to observe Gibilsco buying the pocket watch with cash. Naugatuck police were able to get a search warrant for the store and seized stolen property that was traced back to a burglary reported in Middlebury, Harrison said.
Harrison said the investigation also revealed that Gibilsco did not have a valid permit to purchase or sell jewelry or precious metal and he did not keep records of the items he bought.
Harrison said police are still investigating whether Gibilsco has any more connections to the burglaries.
Gibilsco was charged with larceny in the sixth degree, false statement in the second degree: fraudulent intent, receiving property without proof of identification, failure to maintain record keeping system, paying for property in cash. He was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Dec. 12.
The investigation into the burglaries is ongoing, Harrison said. Anyone with information regarding this incident, can contact Det. Jack DeOliveira at (203) 729-7106.
