Stolen jewelry sold to Mystic jeweler

MYSTIC, Conn. (WTNH)-- State police were lead to Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company in Mystic, while investigating a rash of burglaries they blame on Justin Weissinger, 25, a former Marine from Old Lyme.

According to court papers, a state trooper who had come to the store as part of the investigation, ran into Weissinger's younger brother, Karl. He was there trying to sell two stolen watches and a gold chain.

In total, investigators believe the brothers visited the store between 15 and 25 times, selling more than a $100,000 worth of stolen jewelry and antiques.

While the owner of the jewelry store, Matthew Hopkins, could not comment on the stolen jewelry or what the Weissingers told him, others in the town came to his defense.

"It amazes me. He's honest, he's a good guy, he makes beautiful jewelry," said Liz Carlson from The Velvet Sun, Too. "I mean they could say these are estate things that were in my family. I mean, ya know, I think anybody could get caught up in that."

A customer, Skye Lance, said "he's a great guy and I'm surprised this has happened, and I'm certain he didn't know anything about the status of the merchandise he purchased."

Lance and others only had words of praise for the longtime Mystic jeweler specializing in custom made and estate pieces.

"Talk around town, so to speak, is that he is a wonderful reputable man and he makes great jewelry," said Linda Palmieri.

Hopkins is cooperating with police. He said there will be a time when he can talk about what happened, just not yet.