Hawleyville Woman Charged

In Multiple Mail Thefts

Easton police have charged a Hawleyville woman with 29 counts of sixth degree larceny in connection with a series of mail thefts from residential mailboxes in Easton.

Newtown police are investigating the woman’s alleged theft of mail from 17 Newtown residents.

Newtown Detective Sergeant Robert Tvardzik said February 13 that police are actively investigating Eckert’s alleged mail thefts from Newtown residents and expect to pursue multiple charges against her.

Easton police said they arrested Caroline Eckert, 28, of 17 Old Hawleyville Road on a court warrant on February 11, charging her with 29 sixth degree larceny counts. Eckert turned herself over to police at the Easton police station through arrangements made by her defense lawyer. Sixth degree larceny involves the theft of items worth less than $250.

Easton police allege Eckert stole mail from approximately 29 residential mailboxes in Easton between last October 21 and January 2.

Easton police had initially charged Eckert with one count of sixth degree larceny on January 8 in connection with her alleged theft of mail from an Easton residential mailbox and her alleged subsequent cashing of a stolen check at a Newtown bank. On that date, Easton police charged Eckert on a warrant after spotting her driving her 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit on Sport Hill Road.

Easton police said that on inspecting the vehicle they found apparently stolen mail inside belonging to 29 Easton residents, 17 Newtown residents, and one Redding resident. The mail stolen from the 29 Easton residents formed the basis of the 29 sixth degree larceny counts that police filed against Eckert on February 11.

Easton police turned over the mail that was stolen from Newtown and Redding residents to those towns’ respective police departments for further investigation.   

Eckert was scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on February 17 to be arraigned on the 29 larceny counts stemming from the Easton mail thefts.

United States postal inspectors aided police in the investigation.