Connecticut
Former UConn men’s basketball star Ben Gordon pleads not guilty in disturbance at CT juice shop
Former NBA guard Ben Gordon pleaded not guilty Tuesday to weapons and threatening charges in connection with a disturbance at a Connecticut juice shop in which police responding to reports of his erratic behavior forced him to the ground and handcuffed him.
Gordon, who also starred at the University of Connecticut when the Huskies won the 2004 NCAA championship, appeared in court in Stamford with his lawyer, Darnell Crosland, who entered the pleas.
After court, Crosland said in an interview that Gordon has struggled with his mental health and with what to do with his life after he retired from the NBA following the 2014-2015 season and an 11-year pro career.
“That passion he had while playing he still has, but it’s hard to navigate shark-infested waters post-league,” Crosland said, not elaborating on what he meant. “But he is doing his best and is now focusing on his family.”
Gordon may seek a diversionary program to settle the criminal charges, Crosland said. Gordon is due to return to court next month.
Gordon, who was born in England and grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, was arrested in April — on his 40th birthday and just hours after UConn won its fifth NCAA men’s basketball championship — at the Juice Kings shop in Stamford.
Former UConn, NBA player Ben Gordon arrested on weapons charges following ‘bizarre’ incident at CT juice shop
Police said several 911 callers reported that Gordon was acting aggressively and bizarrely. Gordon continued to act erratically when officers arrived, and they forced him to the ground and handcuffed him outside the store, authorities said.
Police said Gordon had a folding knife clipped to his pocket, as well as a stun gun and brass knuckles in his backpack.
Gordon has had other brushes with the law over the years. In October, he was charged with punching his son at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. In November, he was charged with a misdemeanor in Chicago on allegations he punched a McDonald’s security guard.
Gordon has pleaded guilty in the New York and Chicago cases, with the plea deals calling for no jail time, according to news reports.
Gordon has talked and written about his bipolar disorder and depression, which he said have played roles in his arrests.
During his NBA career, Gordon played for Chicago, where he won the league’s Sixth Man Award as a rookie for the 2004-2005 season. He also played for Detroit, Charlotte and Orlando.
Connecticut
Connecticut couple arrested for $1 million Lululemon theft spree across multiple states | The Express Tribune
A Connecticut couple allegedly stole nearly $1 million worth of Lululemon merchandise during a two-month, multi-state theft spree, according to authorities.
Jadion Richards, 44, and Akwele Lawes-Richards, 45, were arrested on November 14 for stealing high-end fitness apparel from stores in Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, New York, and Connecticut since September, as detailed in a criminal complaint reported by multiple outlets.
The theft spree was uncovered after Lululemon investigators noticed significant losses, which escalated when the pair triggered a security alarm while leaving a store in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Richards reportedly accused store employees of racially profiling him, the complaint stated. However, a company investigator alleged the couple had stolen at least 45 items worth $5,000 from various stores the previous day.
Police apprehended the pair and discovered multiple credit and debit cards, along with a key to a Marriott hotel room. Inside the room, officers found 12 suitcases, three of which contained approximately $50,000 worth of Lululemon merchandise, as per the complaint.
The company investigator estimated the total stolen merchandise could be worth up to $1 million, though the complaint did not detail how this estimate was calculated.
Lululemon merchandise is known for its high price points, with clothing starting at over $50 and sweatshirts often costing more than $130.
“This outcome continues to underscore our ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and our investments in advanced technology, team training and investigative capabilities to combat retail crime and hold offenders accountable,” Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection told NBC News.
“We remain dedicated to continuing these efforts to address and prevent this industry-wide issue.”
The couple allegedly used various tactics to commit the thefts, including one distracting store staff while the other hid the fitness apparel under their clothes and jackets, according to the complaint.
Connecticut
Connecticut man arrested in Puerto Rico for allegedly killing 4-month-old and Massachusetts mother
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Connecticut
Connecticut man dies nine days after being struck by car in Wall
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WALL – A 64-year-old Connecticut man has died from injuries suffered when he was struck by a car on Route 35 Nov. 9, police said.
Michael Losacano, of Niantic, Connecticut, passed away on Nov. 18 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, police said. Losacano was hit by a Ford Explorer being driven southbound on the highway near Wall Church Road by a 72-year-old Farmingdale man at about 6:42 p.m. Nov. 9, according to police.
Losacano was taken to the hospital by Wall Township EMS. The accident is still under investigation and police did not reveal the name of the Explorer’s driver.
The accident is being investigated by Wall police Sgt. Andrew Baldino, the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), and Detective Nicholas Logothetis of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information relevant to the investigation is asked to call Wall police at (732) 449-4500.
Jean Mikle: @jeanmikle, jmikle@gannettnj.com.
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