TORRINGTON — Jessica Thompson, 41, a Newtown resident, has rejected a plea offer that would have required her to serve two years in prison for stealing more than $130,000 worth of antiques from a Cornwall home, including a Native American baby rattle.
Thompson faces charges of first-degree larceny and third-degree burglary. She was identified as a suspect partly through DNA found on an energy drink left at the crime scene.
Anthony Buonaiuto, 41, who was also involved in the case, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny and was sentenced in January to 7 years and 4 months in prison.
The plea deal offered to Thompson before Judge Brian Preleski allowed her to argue for a suspended sentence, potentially avoiding prison time.
The investigation began after contractors working at the Whitcomb Hill Road home discovered the back door ajar on September 5, 2023. The homeowner, who also owns a residence in New York City, found several valuable antiques missing the next day, including Native American artifacts, antique Japanese sake bottles, Indonesian sculptures, and a rare Native American chest.
The stolen chest appeared later on a Fairfield auction website as a consignment from Thompson, who claimed she purchased it at an estate sale.
Other stolen items included a chainsaw, found at Macedonia Brook State Park, where Thompson and Buonaiuto had registered for camping. Additional missing items include a Mad magazine collection and Buddhist sculptures.
Thompson was arrested in July 2024 and has been free on a $5,000 bond, represented by attorney Daniel Thibodeau.
