Jeweler 'naive' buying stolen items from suspect

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — State police say a serial burglary suspect and his younger brother sold more than $100,000 worth of stolen jewelry, precious metals and antique items to a Mystic jewelry dealer.

The Day of New London reports that police say Justin Weissinger visited the store 15 to 25 times over several months.

Owner Matthew Hopkins of Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. in Mystic said he was naive and now buys merchandise only from dealers. He says he has cooperated with police to help return stolen items.

Weissinger has been jailed in lieu of a $50,000 bond since his arrest on July 10 after a police chase in Montville. Additional bonds of $150,000 were imposed and authorities say more arrests are expected.

His lawyer, Matthew G. Berger, did not immediately return a call Wednesday morning seeking comment.

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Information from: The Day