Two Shelton Men Arrested on Arson and Burglary Charges

On 11/03/2025, Shelton Police arrested 25-year-old Joseph Lapinta of Shelton and charged him with Arson 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, Larceny 6th Degree, and Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree. Lapinta posted a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on 11/24/2025.

On 11/04/2025, Shelton Police arrested 26-year-old Daniel Champagne of Shelton on the same charges. Champagne posted a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on 12/09/2025.

The arrests stem from an incident on 12/06/2024, when the Shelton Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Village Drive. The home had already suffered a separate accidental fire days earlier and was unoccupied. Firefighters and police encountered Champagne and Lapinta at the scene; the pair claimed they were driving by and noticed the fire.

The Shelton Police Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigative Unit and the Shelton Fire Marshal’s Office, investigated the blaze. Detectives discovered that multiple pieces of jewelry, personal information, women’s clothing, and undergarments were missing from the home. These items were later recovered during search warrants on both suspects’ vehicles. Additional interviews and warrants led to arrest warrants being issued for Lapinta and Champagne.

Stratford Police: Wanted Fraud Suspect Don Zemo Surrenders After Public Tips

Stratford, CT — The Stratford Police Department announces that Don Zemo (DOB 08/07/1964), a convicted felon wanted on multiple felony warrants throughout Connecticut, surrendered himself this morning to Detective Jon Policano.

Zemo was originally sought by Stratford Police on an outstanding felony arrest warrant charging him with Larceny in the First Degree and Issuing Bad Checks. He is accused of defrauding a Stratford small business of more than $14,000, and additional warrants for similar crimes were held by the Fairfield, Brookfield, and New Canaan Police Departments.

Following the department’s public request for assistance, Detective Policano received numerous calls from the community, which ultimately led to direct communication between Zemo and the detective earlier this week. Police say this public response was pivotal in bringing the investigation to a successful close.

“The media’s assistance cannot be overstated,” the department noted, thanking local outlets and residents for their support.

Westport, CT – The Westport Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Nick Marsan, is proud to partner once again with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the 3rd annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

As colder months approach, the department invites the community to help keep neighbors in need warm this winter. Chief Marsan noted, “This drive impacts hundreds of men, women, and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

Donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits will be accepted through November 30th at the following locations:

  • Westport Fire Headquarters: 515 Post Road East
  • Westport Senior Center: 21 Imperial Avenue
  • Westport Town Hall: 11 Myrtle Avenue
  • Coleytown Elementary School: 65 Easton Road
  • Long Lots Elementary School: 13 Hyde Lane
  • Kings Highway Elementary School: 125 Post Road West

The majority of coats will be delivered to Bridgeport Rescue Mission, while others will be set aside for the ABC House in Westport and other agencies in need, extending the reach of this community effort even further.

Lieutenant Rob Lenois, President of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, highlighted the community’s vital role: “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,400 coats.”

Westport resident and volunteer Anna Rycenga added: “Please join the WFD and me this winter in supporting families in need. Many go without a warm coat, but together, we can make a meaningful difference by sharing the warmth—one coat at a time.”

Bridgeport RescueMission provides food, safe housing, and addiction recovery services across Coastal Connecticut. Their programs—offered entirely free of charge—grant our neighbors in need an opportunity for hope and a pathway to lasting change.

Learn more at BridgeportRescueMission.org.

Shelton Neighbor Charged in Long Hill Ave Sexual Assault

On October 31, 2025, Shelton Police responded to a 911 hang-up on Long Hill Avenue near Sullivan Avenue. Officers arrived to find a woman who had run outside and reported that Sean Senerchia, 23, of Shelton, sexually assaulted her inside an apartment. Officers encountered Senerchia inside; he became confrontational and was taken into custody for interfering. Detectives learned the victim knew Senerchia and had been invited in; she stated he forced himself on her, that she fled outside during part of the incident, and that he brought her back into the apartment. Detectives documented evidence on scene and confirmed details with neighbors. Senerchia was charged with Sexual Assault 1st Degree, Strangulation 3rd Degree, Disorderly Conduct, and Interfering with an Officer. His bond was initially set at $100,000 and later raised to $250,000; unable to post, he was transported and presented in Derby Superior Court on November 3, 2025.

Leaders Unite in Fairfield to ‘Feed Hope’ Amid SNAP Shutdown Crisis

FAIRFIELD — With federal SNAP benefits halted due to the government shutdown, a bipartisan group of state and community leaders gathered in front of the Sacred Heart University Community Theater at 1420 Post Road to call attention to the growing food insecurity crisis across Connecticut.

State Senator Tony Hwang opened the event, noting that nearly 363,000 Connecticut residents rely on SNAP benefits. “This is a moment for all of us to unite—to put politics aside nationally, statewide, and locally—and focus on the people in need,” he said. “Seventy-five percent of those on SNAP are children or the elderly. By the end of the month, they run out of food resources, and this November, because of the shutdown, nothing is coming onto their cards.”

Michael Donoghue, Executive Director of the Thomas Merton Family Center, said the impact is already overwhelming. “We run the largest food pantry in Bridgeport. On a typical day we serve 30 or 40 families. Yesterday we served 110. There was a line around the block an hour before we opened,” he said. “Some of the people coming up to us say, ‘I usually donate to you—I can’t believe I have to use your services.’ There’s no greater pressure than having a family and not knowing if you can feed your kids.”

Jason Jakubowski, CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, explained how community donations stretch further through coordinated efforts. “If you take a dollar to the grocery store, you can buy one can of soup,” he said. “Give us that dollar, and we can buy twenty—because we purchase by the truckload for the entire statewide network.” He added that Senator Hwang frequently volunteers with their efforts.

Themis Klarides, Connecticut Foodshare board member, praised the bipartisan collaboration. “If Washington operated as efficiently as the Connecticut legislature, we’d all be better off,” she said. “This bipartisan group proves what’s possible when we focus on people, not politics.”

Senator Hwang closed by urging unity ahead of Thanksgiving: “The need is urgent—but so is our ability to make a difference. Let’s feed hope, and feed our communities, together.”

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