A press release from the Waterford Police Department:
On Thursday, Feb. 14, the Waterford Police Department responded to a series of reported residential burglaries in the Butlertown Road-area of Waterford, CT.
The incidents were believed to have occurred during the early morning hours between approximately 2 and 6 a.m. A number of vehicles had been entered and personal property stolen. There was also evidence that the subjects had attempted to gain entry to several residences.
Initial information learned from the scenes would indicate at least two subjects who were possibly operating a dark colored “Toyota Scion” vehicle. While collecting and processing evidence, one of the original victims contacted the Waterford Police Department, reporting having observed a similar vehicle occupied by two subjects in a commercial lot in Old Lyme.
Further investigation revealed that these same two people and vehicle were in fact involved in the reported incidents in Waterford. Stolen property from the residences, as well as evidentiary items pertinent to other criminal investigations, were located.
The subjects arrested are identified as: Joseph Dominick Sportelli, 29, of 18 Ames Street Coventry, RI and Roxanne Debra Schaefer, 28, 1135 Sebastian, FL. Sportelli was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny and held on $250,000 bond. Schaefer was charged with third-degree burglary, sixth-degree larceny and evading responsibility and held on $250,000 bond.
The vehicle is described as a black 2004 Toyota Scion XB bearing a stolen RI license plate. Tire and tread impressions were obtained from multiple victim locations.
The arrested subjects were presented on February 15th at the New London Superior Court. This investigation remains open as further evidence identifications are being made, and further charges are prepared for review by the New London Superior Court.
Other charges are also pending related to incidents in the State of Rhode Island. This investigation came to fruition through the coordination of the Waterford Police Department working in partnership with Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police, Old Lyme Police, Warwick (RI) Police and the Providence (RI) Police Departments.
Anyone who feels they may have had items stolen, or may have information, is asked to contact the Waterford Police at 860-442-9451, or jdepasquale@waterfordct.org, reference case #2013-00285.
