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SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Southington Police arrest they man they allege is the ring-leader of a crime spree across Connecticut.
Investigators say Ethan Nieves, 21, of Newington, used a 2023 Honda Odyssey, stolen out of Farmington, to commit crimes in Southington and across Connecticut to carry out catalytic converter thefts, wheel thefts, ATV thefts, and commercial burglaries after March of 2023.
During their investigation, Southington Police developed Nieves as a suspected ring leader who was organizing other crimes throughout the state.
On March 12, 2024, Southington Police and several other agencies executed search warrants at Nieves’ residence in New Britain.
During the operation leading to the search warrant, officers observed several individuals returning to the residence in a stolen vehicle taken earlier that morning during a burglary at CarMax in East Haven.
Two of the three suspects were taken into custody. It was later confirmed that Nieves was the third outstanding suspect.
As of this most recent arrest, several agencies have arrested and charged Nieves for his involvement, and numerous additional arrests are expected.
He was arrested Monday, April 29, 2024, at court in New Britain in connection with Southington's investigation.
Nieves is expected to face more charges in other municipalities. Numerous other arrests are also expected in the case.
In Southington, Nieves is charged with first-degree larceny, three counts of third-degree larceny, two counts of third-degree conspiracy to commit larceny, third-degree burglary, third-degree conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of first-degree criminal mischief, first-degree conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, second degree conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, and use of a motor vehicle without permission.
He was released after posting an $85,000.00 court-set bond.
