WEST HAVEN — West Haven Police have arrested a former city Animal Control Officer and accused him of stealing.
Police say James Vitelli 46, of Northford has worked for the city since 1997. Vitelli was arrested by warrant after an extensive investigation beginning back in January 2015.
Vitelli was a founding member and the treasurer of a non profit organization named Wags and Whiskers. The organization collected funds by redeeming bottles and cans that the public would donate to the Collis Street Shelter. The money is put towards veterinarian care.
Supervisors tell police they discovered Vitelli began redeeming returnables and pocketing the money, not providing it to Wags and Whiskers. It was also discovered Vitelli had damaged a storage area.
Vitelli was arrested for Larceny 2nd, and Criminal Mischief 3rd. He is no longer employed by the city of West Haven.
