Laurel St Woman Charged With Arson, Insurance Fraud

Clinton Police have arrested Kathleen "Sissy" Ruggiero, 53, of 349 Laurel S. in East Haven, charging her with arson, insurance fraud and providing a false statement.

According to police, Ruggiero was arrested March 26 after she was stopped in her vehicle by the Connecticut State Police. During this time, state police determined she was wanted by the Clinton police.

During an 8-month-long investigation by Clinton police, it was determined that a fire at Ruggiero's vacated Clinton home at 52 Airline Road was arson.

According to police, after the house burned, Ruggiero made an insurance claim for the damage to the house and attempted to make claims for theft of items from the residence. These items were determined to have been removed from the residence prior to the fire at the direction of Ruggiero, said police.

Police also said Ruggiero lied to investigators during the course of the investigation and is charged with providing a false statement.

Ruggiero was reached by phone at her Laurel Street home. She said she "didn't do anything and is being accused." She said she has two attorneys, Frank Ricccio of Bridgeport and John Laudati of Farmington.

Ruggiero was released on a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior court on April 5 at 9 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clinton Police Department at 860.669.0451, ext. 1250; or the Arson Tip Line at 1.800.84ARSON.