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Matthew Bittner, 38, of Monroe, and Joseph Bogdanyi, 32, Seymour, were arrested Monday, Dec. 23, by Monroe Police following an investigation into the reported theft and arson of a vehicle.
According to Monroe Police, on Oct. 23, the department received a report of a vehicle on fire in the driveway of 35 Corporate Drive in Monroe.
When officers arrived, they found a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe fully engulfed in flames, said Monroe Police Lt. Stephen Corrone.
It was later determined the vehicle was registered to a resident of Pilgrim Lane in Monroe and the vehicle had been reported as stolen on Oct. 21, Corrone said.
The vehicle was later recovered by the Bridgeport Police Department on Oct. 22, and released to the resident’s boyfriend, Matthew Bittner.
Upon learning of the fire, Bittner reported that the vehicle must have been stolen a second time. He stated the vehicle was stored at his place of business in Newtown, Corrone said.
Bittner later formerly reported the vehicle stolen to the Newtown Police Department.
Through an extensive investigation, Monroe Police detectives developed probable cause that Bittner and his friend, Joseph Bogdanyi, drove the vehicle to Corporate Drive, where it was set on fire, Corrone added.
Arrest warrants were granted by Superior Court for both Bittner and Bogdanyi.
Bittner was charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, insurance fraud, making a false statement, and tampering with evidence.
Bogdanyi was charged with conspiracy to commit arson and making a false statement.
Both men were released after post a $100,000 bond.
They are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2, 2020.
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