4 charged in ‘tainted cupcakes’ body fluid case in Winsted

BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN The Gilbert School BEN LAMBERT — THE REGISTER CITIZEN The Gilbert School Photo: Journal Register Co. Photo: Journal Register Co. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 4 charged in ‘tainted cupcakes’ body fluid case in Winsted 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

WINSTED — Four juveniles have been arrested in connection with cupcakes that were possibly tainted with body fluids at The Gilbert School last year.

Two boys and two girls, whose names are not being released by police due to their ages, surrendered to police after learning of active arrest warrants, police said Monday. The charges include fourth-degree sexual assault, conspiracy to commit fourth-degree sexual assault and second-degree breach of peace.

The case was presented to the prosecuting authorities in juvenile court after an extensive forensic examination of the “cupcake” and DNA comparisons of the suspect juveniles, Winchester Police Chief William T. Fitzgerald Jr. said in a release. Several of the suspects are away at college, police said.

The Winchester Police Department received complaints in June 2017 about suspected cupcakes that were brought to The Gilbert School in Winsted.

In a statement from the school, Principal Alan Strauss said at the time that two sets of parents spoke with police.

Last year, police said they did not believe that the substance reported to have been introduced into the cupcake batter and/or frosting was toxic or poisonous, and no students or staff reported becoming ill as a result of ingesting the suspected tainted cupcakes.

Strauss said the cupcakes were brought in by a student and that the school did not know what the fluid was. The cupcakes were brought to the State Forensic Lab for analysis, police said.

Strauss said the school was “vigorously investigating” the incident.

In a statement issued Monday, Gilbert’s Head of Schools, Dr. Anthony Serio thanked the police department for their work.

“Nothing is more important to us at The Gilbert School than the safety and well-being of our students, and as such we are grateful for the support and responsiveness shown to us by the Winchester Police Department throughout this difficult situation,” he said. “We continue to work cooperatively with the police, and any further questions regarding this case should be directed to them.”