George J. Connelly, Jr., Fencing Operation, Connecticut 2023
Two Men Found Guilty in Large-Scale Fencing Operation in Connecticut
George J. Connelly, Jr., 48, of New Haven, and William Reidell, 41, of Branford, have been found guilty of federal charges related to a large-scale fencing operation in Connecticut.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Connelly and Paul Muzyka operated a licensed secondhand store, Ace Amusements, located at 42 Kimberly Avenue in New Haven. The store knowingly purchased stolen property from 'boosters,' who typically were shoplifters with opioid addictions. The boosters stole the goods from retail stores such as Home Depot, Target, CVS, and Lowe's, and sold the goods at Ace Amusements for approximately one-third of their retail prices.
The trial evidence showed at least $1.5 million in sales on eBay from 2007 to 2016 by individuals, including Reidell, who purchased stolen items at Ace Amusements to resell online.
Connelly and Reidell were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit the interstate transport of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Connelly was also found guilty of two counts, and Reidell was found guilty of one count, of interstate transport of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.
Connelly and Reidell are currently out on $100,000 bonds pending sentencing. Sentencing dates have not yet been scheduled.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut Department of Correction, Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, and the New Haven, North Haven, Milford, West Haven, Wallingford, Hamden, and Orange Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Pierpont, Jr. and David T. Huang.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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