Tips lead to arrest of borough man for false burglary report

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James Jackson

NAUGATUCK — A Naugatuck man is facing charges after police say he gave a false burglary report in order to cash in on an insurance claim.

James Jackson, 42, of 837 Maple Hill Road turned himself into Naugatuck police Friday and was charged with larceny in the first degree and falsely reporting an incident in the second degree. The charges stem from a burglary report Jackson made to police on Oct. 31, 2011.

According to a release issued by Lt. Robert Harrison of the Naugatuck Police Department, on Oct. 31, 2011 Jackson reported a 2004 custom chopper motorcycle, lawnmowers, lawn tools, and power tools were stolen from his garage sometime during the overnight hours. Jackson also reported the rear door of the home had been forced open and electronics, home appliances, computer equipment, and various other items were stolen as well.

The value of the motorcycle was estimated at $25,000 and the remaining items were valued at approximately $10,000, the release stated.

Police received two tips from the department’s “Crime Tips” e-mail, one in March and one in April, stating Jackson’s report was fraudulent and the items reported as stolen were actually hidden in Jackson’s basement, the release said.

On April 18, Naugatuck detectives confronted Jackson at his home about the false reports and he admitted to “padding” the insurance claim and cashing over $24,000 dollars in insurance payments, the release said.

Police then found the motorcycle cut up and in pieces in the basement of the home, the release said, and numerous power tools and computer equipment were discovered as well.

Jackson was released on a $10,000 surety bond and given a court date of May 30 to appear in Waterbury Superior Court.