A construction company paid $253,820.88 for building materials supplied by Home Depot, but the retailer never received the money, Connecticut police say. Investigators accuse a former sales representative of redirecting the payments to a fraudulent business he created, according to WFSB.
Robert Christopher Nilsen, 44, of East Haven, was arrested on November 2 and charged with first-degree larceny. Officers took him into custody without incident following a motor vehicle stop and brought him to the East Haven Police Department for processing.
The investigation began in July 2026, when Home Depot’s Corporate Security Division contacted the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office about suspected fraudulent activity. East Haven Police Detective Luke Rasile, of the Investigative Services Division, was assigned to investigate, Patch reported.
Nilsen was released on a $100,000 professional surety bond, according to the court record. His case remains pending, with an arraignment scheduled for November 18.
Five Payments Went to a Company Police Say Was Fraudulent
The construction company issued five checks between May and September 2025, East Haven Police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said. The business was already a Home Depot customer.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends clear procedures for approving purchases and invoices, along with close review of bills before payment. Before issuing a supplier check to an unfamiliar business, confirm the payee directly with the supplier through a billing contact you already trust.
Arrest Warrant Leads to November Arraignment
Rasile obtained an arrest warrant following the investigation, Murgo said. The court case summary, current as of November 6, lists one count under Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-122 and places the arraignment at 10 a.m. in New Haven’s Geographical Area 23 court.
Under Connecticut law, first-degree larceny is a Class B felony and can apply when the value of property or services taken exceeds $20,000. The charge remains an accusation, and Nilsen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.