City man gets five years for thefts at workplace

LITCHFIELD - A Torrington man who stole from his co-workers, employers and their clients' Lakeville home to feed his heroin habit was sentenced to serve five years in jail Friday.

A Torrington couple gave 33-year-old James Goodall a chance with a new job and hope that he could overcome his heroin addiction. "They knew he had troubles but they extended this chance," Assistant State's Attorney Terri Sonnemann said. Goodall broke into his employer's home and stole their child's video game system, videos, the woman's engagement ring, a necklace she received when their son was born, and other sentimental jewelry. The losses exceeded $17,000, the prosecutor said. Police recovered some of the items from four pawn shops. "It was the ultimate betrayal," Sonnemann said.

Goodall was ordered to serve five years behind bars of a 10-year sentence and five years of probation for first-degree larceny, two counts of third-degree burglary, and third-degree larceny.

"I am grateful to (the victims) for giving me the chance they did," Goodall said.

Goodall was desperate for money to fund his addiction, his defense attorney, Christopher Cosgrove said. He pawned these things for very little money and used his own identification, the attorney said. Goodall hopes to get drug treatment when he is released from jail, Cosgrove added.

Goodall also stole his employer's credit card and purchased more than $9,000 in gift cards he used to trade for heroin, Sonnemann said.

The couple that took the chance on Goodall sat stiffly in the courtroom and the woman wiped tears from her eyes as Sonnemann read their letter to the court explaining how they no longer felt safe in their home and the reputation they worked hard to build for their business was put in jeopardy.

Tracy Kennedy can be reached by e-mail at