Cops: Man stole $150k in wire from workplace

STRATFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Milford man was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $150,000 in wire and other electrical components from a kitchen supply company in Stratford.

Police said that company officials found out about the thefts, which had been going on since 2007, when they checked eBay.

Officials for Kitchen Brains, on Honeyspot Rd., complained to police that they were doing an inventory of electrical wire and came up short. When one worker suggested that company officials check eBay, they found photographs of the company's wire for sale on the website.

When police confronted Leonard Rivera, who had worked for Kitchen Brains since 2005, he confessed to stealing hundreds of feet of Teflon wire and other electrical components and selling them on six different eBay accounts.

Rivera didn't know how much money he had made, but police were able to determine that he stole and sold 2,230 company items valued at $153,808.

Rivera, 39, of Welchs Point Rd., Milford, was charged with first-degree larceny.

Rivera was released after posting $75,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport court on January 11th.