Boutique Owner’s Home Hit by Burglary

In Kent, Connecticut, the owner of Foreign Cargo, a local boutique, contacted the state troopers to report a burglary in her home. This report stated that it was unknown as to the exact time, but the jewelry had been seen two weeks before the call. The only suspect that the victim commented on was Jozsef Fodor. He was noted for his interest in the owner’s health during his numerous visits to her store. Mr. Fodor had mentioned that his wife was a nurse and helped with in-home care. It was alleged that he had taken the items to pawn jewelry.

The victim’s two sons had given the state troopers additional reports to support the claims about Jozsef Fodor. One had seen him at the victim’s house while the other noted Mr. Fodor’s possible connection to a stolen bicycle. The state police spoke with his wife and discovered that she was not a nurse and did not work with home care. Mr. Fodor was not very forthcoming with the officers beyond acknowledging his understanding of English. He stated that he did not know of the missing jewelry and would not pawn jewelry or sell silver.

The case took a turn when the victim and her family found the items, including some silverware, at Connecticut Gold and Silver. The silverware had been reported at a later time when it was found to be missing. The cash for silver is a common method for quick money and led Jozsef Fodor to Connecticut Gold and Silver to sell silver for this reason. Once the items were all identified and confirmed, the value of the lot was $12,132.

This was enough to bring the state police back to the Fodor residence. He was quick to deny ever seeing the items. As a man native to Hungary, he stated that he had been in his home country when he sold items at Connecticut Gold and Silver. His purpose was cash for silver. Of course, he had not seen Hungary since 2004. His story became very strange as he commented that he was related to a general in his home country. Finally, he admitted to selling rare half-dollar coins, which linked to another case in Kent.

Jozsef Fodor was charged with third-degree burglary, second-degree larceny and interfering with a police officer. It is not uncommon for these cases to involve cash for silver. The arraignment in Bantam Superior Court was set and Mr. Fodor will think twice the next time tried to pawn jewelry or sell silver.