A New Haven firefighter was arrested Monday, accused of stealing approximately $125,000 from a 95-year-old city woman, according to police.
Kenneth Burgos, 41, was charged with first-degree larceny and tampering with a witness, according to police spokesman Officer David Hartman.
An investigation into the alleged theft began in September, when the victim notified police that several thousand dollars was missing from her bank accounts, Hartman said.
Police received a tip in the case when firefighters showed up at the victim’s home on a medical call, according to Hartman. While there, the victim told them that she met Burgos several years earlier when he responded to help her on a call. The victim told the firefighters that Burgos gained her trust and control of her finances and then stole money from her. The firefighters notified authorities, Hartman said.
It was not immediately clear when that visit took place.
“This type of crime is particularly upsetting. When someone abuses their authority to take advantage of someone so vulnerable, we are all shaken,” said Assistant Chief of Detectives Achilles Generoso in a statement. “I want to personally thank the firefighters who, without hesitation, came forward with what they’d learned.”