Stratford Woman Charged After Allegedly Stealing $230,000 in Benefits

BREAKING: A Stratford woman has been arrested and charged with identity theft following her alleged scheme to steal over $230,000 in unemployment benefits. Bianca Davila, aged 38, faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree larceny and identity theft, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.

The charges arise from an ongoing investigation initiated by a formal complaint from the Connecticut Department of Labor. Officials report that Davila allegedly exploited the personal information of acquaintances to illegally claim unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation identified eight accounts linked to Davila, where she allegedly misappropriated funds by using the identifiable information of individuals she knew.

Authorities revealed that Davila procured payment cards and bank accounts using the stolen identities. Inspectors from the Statewide Prosecution Bureau seized documents from her home, including personal information of over 100 individuals. Disturbingly, some of this information was accessed while Davila was employed at various social service agencies.

In addition to the identity theft, investigators uncovered that Davila had altered her own personal information to successfully pass background checks for employment opportunities. This revelation raises serious concerns regarding security and trust within social service sectors.

Davila has been released on a $60,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on February 26, 2026. This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding identity fraud, especially during times of crisis, and its direct impact on vulnerable populations relying on unemployment benefits.

Stay tuned for updates as this case develops. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant about protecting their personal information.