Editors: Note: The original version of this story was edited on October 21, 2008.
Ridgefield, Conn. - Antiques dealer Michael Garlenski, 43, who was arrested by Connecticut State Police on April 16, appeared for a June 11 court date only to be notified that the State's Attorney's Office has decided to continue the case until August 14.
Prosecutor John Massameno, the senior assistant state's attorney in the Chief State's Attorney's office, commented that Garlenski was told that the "criminal investigation was continuing." While Massameno refused to comment on the pending criminal investigation, he did say that the scope of the original investigation "has expanded. In court, I suggested he get a lawyer." The case has been continued to August 14, in Bantam Superior Court.
Mark Dupis, communications officer at the Chief State's Attorney's Office, commented that additional complaints by other parties regarding Garlenski have been received and are currently under investigation. "Additional charges may result from those investigations," according to the State's Attorney's Office.
"We are very concerned about the pattern of behavior and victimization of honest and hard working merchants in the antiques business," stated Massameno. "That is why we are devoting the resources that are necessary in this case."
Massameno urged that anyone with information or a complaint regarding Garlenski contact Inspector Charles Coffey at 860-258-5800.
According to both Garlenski and the Connecticut antiques dealer that instituted the original complaint to police, their dispute regarded monies owed for merchandise and has reportedly since been satisfied.
Garlenski was originally charged with one count of larceny in the second degree, considered a Class C Felony. The penalty for the original charge is not less than one year and not more than ten years imprisonment, and or a fine of up to $10,000.
