Six people have been charged in connection with a “large-scale internal” theft scheme that reportedly defrauded a retail store in Meriden out of more than $250,000.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued Tuesday by Lt. Darrin McKay of the Meriden Police Department who said investigators anticipate making “at least one more arrest.”
McKay said police began their “long-term” investigation in July 2024 involving an unnamed retailer where authorities believe several individuals used multiple scams to defraud the business out of more than $250,000 worth of cash and products. The case was investigated by Meriden Police Det. Femia, who is assigned to the U.S. Secret Service’s Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.
Femia, McKay said, collaborated with the loss prevention team at the retailer and was able to identify six suspects who have been arrested.
Those who were arrested include:
Jose Perez, 39, who was arrested on Aug. 18 on charges of first-degree larceny and receiving a commercial bribe. He is free on a $25,000 bond, court records show.
Izay Ortiz, 23, was arrested on Sept. 18 and charged with second-degree larceny. He is free on a promise to appear, according to court records.
Hector Mejia was arrested on Aug. 4 and charged with criminal attempt to commit third-degree larceny and commercial bribery, according to police. His case has been statutorily sealed, records show.
Amardean Elsayed, 42, was arrested on July 3 and charged with commercial bribery and fifth-degree larceny. He is free on a $25,000 bond, records show.
Luis Amaurys Rodriguez Pena was arrested on Sept. 12 and charged with commercial bribery, police said. His case has been statutorily sealed, according to court records.
Ruel Gordon, 47, was charged on Aug. 6 with commercial bribery. He is free on a $50,000 bond, according to court records.
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