The West Hartford Police Department’s Detective Division has arrested three men in an elaborate theft ring that involves iPhones and identity theft.

From left: David Bagot, Ramone Sooman, Andre Duffis. Photo courtesy of West Hartford Police

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police have released the names of three suspects, including a UPS driver, charged with participating in an elaborate “fraud ring” based in Florida that appears to include 122 apparent identity theft victims in West Hartford.

According to West Hartford Police Lt. Eric Rocheleau, there have been a total of 122 fraudulent equipment orders – a total of 360 iPhones – shipped to the West Hartford, CT area since May 24, 2016. Police believe that fraudulent cell phone accounts were set up with the addresses and other personal information belonging to West Hartford residents, and they are still in the process of trying to contact those victims.

Police said that some packages containing the iPhones were delivered in West Hartford via UPS and then stolen by “involved parties” who were following the UPS truck. In addition, police said, other packages were fraudulently declared “delivered” by the UPS driver.

UPS is cooperating in the investigation, police said.

Police said that a total of 216 devices, valued at $177,934, are still missing and believed stolen.

Detectives learned that two addresses were expecting a fraudulent iPhone delivery on Sept. 22, and conducted surveillance of those locations. After observing a transaction between the UPS driver and two suspects, police said that the driver and the two men were arrested on site.

UPS driver David Bagot, 51, of Montowese Street in Hartford has been charged with third-degree larceny and three counts of conspiracy to commit third-degree identity theft. He was released on $75,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 6.

Ramone Sooman, 27, of Foley Street in West Hartford has been charged with conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree identity theft. He was released on $25,000 bond and will appear in court on Oct. 6.

Andre Duffus, 26, of Northwest Way in Plantation, FL, was charged with third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree identity theft. He was released on $75,000 bond and will also appear in court on Oct. 6.

Police are attempting to contact the 122 identity theft victims and ask that anyone who believes they may be a a victim of a fraudulent cell phone delivery, or anyone with additional information contact Det. Andrew Wamester at 860-570-8883 and reference case #16-42654.

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