08/19/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2026
Wanted Wednesday Results in Two Extraditable Arrests
North Branford, Connecticut — The North Branford Police Department is announcing the results of two separate investigations that resulted in the extradition of wanted individuals from New York and New Hampshire to Connecticut.
Financial Fraud Investigation — New York
On October 14, 2024, the North Branford Police Department received a complaint from an 80-year-old resident who reported being the victim of a suspected financial fraud scheme.
The investigation began after the victim received a text message on her iPhone that appeared to be an Apple security alert and provided a telephone number for assistance. After contacting the number, the victim spoke with a male who falsely identified himself as an employee of the Federal Trade Commission. The male told the victim that her personal information had been compromised and that the suspects had access to her personal data.
The victim was subsequently convinced to visit her bank and withdraw approximately $28,000 in cash. She was instructed to place the money in a box, which would be collected by an individual posing as an undercover agent and held temporarily until her identity could be restored.
Following an extensive investigation involving numerous search and investigative warrants, as well as a review of law enforcement databases, lead investigator Detective Craig Miller, with the assistance of Sergeant Pasquale Marino and Detective Massimo Piroli, identified two suspects: Jing Song Zhang, DOB 11/15/1979, and Guanghua Chen, DOB 07/01/1979, both of Flushing, New York.
The suspects traveled from New York to Northford, Connecticut, in a 2017 white Porsche Cayenne bearing New York registration plates. They took possession of the box containing the victim's money before leaving the area.
Detective Miller conducted numerous investigative efforts to locate and apprehend both suspects. With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Jing Song Zhang was ultimately apprehended at his residence in New York and subsequently extradited to Connecticut to face the following charges:
• Larceny in the First Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-122
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the First Degree — C.G.S. §§ 53a-48/53a-122
Guanghua Chen remains at large and is wanted in connection with this investigation. Investigative efforts to locate and apprehend Chen remain ongoing.
The North Branford Police Department extends its appreciation to the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Haven State's Attorney's Office for their assistance and cooperation throughout this investigation.
Domestic Violence Investigation — New Hampshire
On July 14, 2026, members of the North Branford Police Department Patrol Division, led by Officer Robert Deko, responded to a domestic violence incident in the Northford section of North Branford.
Because this investigation involves a juvenile, the North Branford Police Department will not be releasing additional details regarding the underlying incident.
Following a month-long investigation led by Officer Deko, with assistance from outside law enforcement agencies, an arrest warrant was obtained for Christopher White, DOB 03/31/1988, of Laconia, New Hampshire.
White was subsequently taken into custody by the Belmont Police Department in New Hampshire and extradited to Connecticut.
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, White was transferred into the custody of the North Branford Police Department, where he was processed and charged with:
• Risk of Injury to a Child — C.G.S. § 53-21(a)(1)
• Breach of Peace in the Second Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-181
• Breach of Peace in the Second Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-181
• Strangulation/Suffocation in the Second Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-64bb
• Assault in the Third Degree — C.G.S. § 53a-61
North Branford Police Chief James Lovelace stated:
“I couldn't be prouder of the work our personnel are doing day in and day out. Their commitment and dedication to this community is unwavering. From our Communications Department to Patrol and the Detective Division, our personnel continue to pursue these investigations, work closely with our law enforcement partners, and deliver results for the victims of these crimes.
“These cases demonstrate the importance of persistent investigative work and the strong partnerships we have established with law enforcement agencies throughout Connecticut and across state lines. I commend Detective Miller, Officer Deko, Sergeant Marino, Detective Piroli, our Patrol Division, and everyone involved for their professionalism and dedication.”
The North Branford Police Department would like to remind residents that law enforcement agencies, banks, technology companies, and government agencies will never instruct individuals to withdraw large amounts of cash and turn the money over to an individual for “safekeeping.” Residents who receive suspicious communications requesting money or personal information are encouraged to contact their local police department before taking any action.
All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
