Berlin Police Seek 3 Suspects In Probe Of Heist At Prominent Retailer

BERLIN, CT — Berlin police are asking for the public's help in locating three individuals wanted in connection with an ongoing organized retail theft investigation involving Harbor Freight in Berlin.

According to a May 29 Berlin Police Department press release, the investigation stems from a series of thefts reported at the Harbor Freight store during 2025.

Police said the primary suspect, Hugo Mariera Esquilin, was taken into custody following a Nov. 20, 2025 theft and was also charged in connection with 14 prior thefts at the store.

Esquilin was charged with second-degree larceny and organized retail theft, police said.

He is still being held on $25,000 bond and will appear in court July 1, according to online court records.

As investigators continued examining the case, police identified three additional suspects believed to be involved and obtained felony arrest warrants for each.

The suspects are:

• Lukasz Rejch, 38, charged with third-degree larceny and organized retail theft. Police said his court-set bond is $50,000.
• Barbara Tattersall, 63, charged with third-degree larceny and organized retail theft. Police said her court-set bond is $50,000.
• Paul J. Demanuele, 37, charged with third-degree larceny and organized retail theft. Police said his court-set bond is $25,000.

Berlin police said the three individuals remain wanted and are asking anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact Berlin Police Officer Peggy Kennedy at 860-828-7080.

From Nov. 21, 2025: 'Prominent Berlin Retailer Targeted In Suspect's Crime Spree: Police'