Police: Milford Man Arrested for Excavator Machine Sale Scam

A Milford man was arrested after he allegedly took cash for the sale of a piece of construction equipment and then spent the money — but never delivered the machine to the buyer. 

Nicola Tarzia, 67, of Chatham Avenue in Milford, was charged Jan. 30 with third-degree larceny. 

According to Milford Police, the department received a complaint from a Milford business owner last September regarding an alleged "theft of money." 

The officers' investigation revealed that the victim met with Tarzia and arranged to purchase an excavating machine, which was supposedly owned by a third-party, through him.

Tarzia was given $2,700 to purchase the equipment but never provided the machine to the buyer, police said. Instead, Tarzia allegedly told the victim he used the money for "personal reasons."

The officers' investigation led to a warrant being issued for Tarzia's arrest.

He was released on a promise to appear in court on Feb. 25.

Failure to Appear

An East Haven man who had a warrant out for his arrest was taken into custody by Milford Police on Jan. 30.

Willard Chamberlain, 50, of Center Street in East Haven, was charged with first-degree failure to appear in court.

According to police, Chamberlain is accused of failing to appear in court Jan. 2 for charges stemming from an arrest in Milford in January 2013 for possession of narcotics and tampering with evidence.

He was held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 25.