Two Arrested in Fairfield Package Theft Scheme

Suspects used fake names to order and steal energy-efficient thermostats from homes.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:53am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Google Nest thermostat box against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting and dramatic framing creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigation into a package theft scheme.A recent wave of package thefts targeting energy-efficient home devices exposes vulnerabilities in consumer rebate programs.Rochester Today

Two men, Teon Thomas, 24, of Rochester, New York, and Dawud Gause-Seignious, 23, of Wyandanch, New York, were arrested in Fairfield, Connecticut on Tuesday following an investigation into a package theft scheme. The suspects allegedly used fictitious names to order energy-efficient thermostats through a rebate program and then retrieve the packages from residential addresses without the homeowners' permission.

Why it matters

Package theft is an ongoing problem in many communities, causing financial losses and inconvenience for residents. This case highlights how criminals can exploit rebate programs to facilitate their crimes, underscoring the need for vigilance and stronger safeguards to protect consumers.

The details

According to police, the suspects were located in a vehicle in the area of James Street and Pratt Street after a 1:50 p.m. complaint about individuals removing packages from residential properties. Officers recovered seven packages containing a total of 14 Google Nest thermostats, valued at approximately $3,900. The investigation revealed the suspects were using the rebate program to order the devices, which are intended for homeowners to install, and then stealing the packages.

  • On Tuesday, April 6, 2026, police received a complaint about package thefts around 1:50 p.m.
  • Later that day, police located the suspect vehicle and arrested Teon Thomas and Dawud Gause-Seignious.

The players

Teon Thomas

A 24-year-old man from Rochester, New York who was arrested and charged in the package theft scheme.

Dawud Gause-Seignious

A 23-year-old man from Wyandanch, New York who was arrested and charged in the package theft scheme.

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What’s next

The suspects were released on a promise to appear and will face charges including larceny, conspiracy, criminal impersonation, and criminal trespass.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of package theft in many communities and how criminals can exploit rebate programs to facilitate their crimes. It underscores the need for vigilance and stronger safeguards to protect consumers from such schemes.