Trooper allegedly stole jewelry from crash victim

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- An 18-year veteran of the State Police is facing serious charges, accused of stealing from the victim of a fatal motorcycle accident.

"Our neighbor died and I was like wow because he was really young," John said.

It's hard enough for family and friends and neighbors here in Orange to come to grips with the loss of 49-year-old John Scalesse but now the trooper handeling this fatal accident has been arrested for stealing from the dead man.

"This is a very disturbing incident," Lt. J. Paul Vance of the Connecticut State Police said.

Police say it happened back in September around exit 44 on the Merrit Parkway. John Scalesse hit a pick up truck on his motorcycle and was killed.

One of the investigating troopers, 18-year veteran Aaron Huntsman allegedly took a gold chain and $3,000 in cash off of the body.

"It was located in the possession and control of the trooper. As a result of all facts and circumstances, the interviews that were conducted, the evidence that was examined, an arrest warrant application was submitted," Lt. Vance said.

In a statement the Police Union says Huntsman was their Vice President but when the charges came to light he stepped down and the Union hopes that if these allegations are proven true that the publics perception will not be projected onto other troopers.

"Certainly it's very disheartening to the agency, to the department and it's very very unusual for this type of incident to ever occure," Lt. Vance said.

Tooper Huntsman has been stripped of his police powers and is now working a desk. He has been charged with 2 counts of larceny, interfering with a police investigation and tampering or fabricating evidence.

"We have in addition to this a corresponding internal affairs investigation which is underway as we speak," Lt. Vance said.