Alleged ringleader of crime spree throughout CT arrested on several larceny, burglary charges

A Newington man who police say was the ringleader of “statewide criminal activity” that included commercial burglaries and the thefts of catalytic converters, wheels and ATVs has been arrested on several larceny and burglary charges.

Ethan Angel Nieves, 21, was taken into custody Monday during an appearance in New Britain Superior Court, according to the Southington Police Department.

Police said his arrest came following a nine-month investigation that led authorities to believe that Nieves, since March 2023, has been using a 2023 gray Honda Odyssey — which was stolen in Farmington — to commit a number of crimes in Southington and throughout Connecticut. The crimes included catalytic converter thefts, wheel thefts, ATV thefts and commercial burglaries, according to police.

Southington police said they worked with other agencies after receiving several reports of catalytic converter thefts in early 2023. They learned that Nieves was likely in possession of the Honda Odyssey that was involved and that he was a “ringleader organizing much of the statewide criminal activity,” police said.

During the investigation, Southington police and other agencies searched a residence in New Britain tied to Nieves. Before the search, authorities said they saw several individuals returning to the residence in a stolen vehicle taken earlier that morning during a burglary at CarMax in East Haven.

Two of the three suspects were taken into custody at the time. Police said they later learned that Nieves was the third suspect.

Southington police said Nieves has been charged by several different agencies and that additional arrests are expected.

Nieves was charged by Southington police with three counts of third-degree larceny, two counts each of conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny and first-degree criminal mischief and a single count each of first-degree larceny, third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit second-degree criminal mischief and use of a motor vehicle without permission.

He was released on $85,000 bond following his arrest.