Financial Issues Not a Factor in Couple's Disappearance: Family

Family members of an Easton couple who has been missing for more than a week are asking anyone who has seen the husband and wife to call police and say there are no indications that financial issues are factors in the disappearance.

Jeffrey Navin, 56, who runs a Westport sanitation company, and his wife, Jeanette Navin, 55, a Weston school library worker, were last seen on Tuesday, Aug. 4 and were reported missing Friday, Aug. 7, according to Easton police, who believe the two recently moved to town.

"We are shocked and saddened at the unexpected disappearance of Jeff and Jeanette Navin. There are no words to describe the impact this has had on their parents, siblings, and children. We wish only for their safe return and we ask for anyone who has seen either of them since Tuesday, August 4th, to contact the Easton police," a statement from the family says.

Easton Police Chief Tim Shaw said that although the couple often travels, it's unusual for them not to tell family members where they are going.

According to court records, Jeffrey Navin owed more than $2.2 million on his 7 Hart Landing home in Guilford. A week before the couple disappeared, a judge denied his motion to reopen the case appealing the debt.

Jeffrey Navin also owed $139,001.49 in unpaid energy bills for the Guilford property to Connecticut Light & Power, now known as Eversource, according to the a court decision dated June 17, 2015.

"Financial issues recently reported by the media have not been proven to be a factor for our family members’ disappearance," a statement from the couple’s family says. "Information from the authorities indicates that there are available funds still in their bank accounts that are untouched. We, the entire Navin family, ask for privacy and respect during this overwhelming and troubling time."

Although there has been no sign of the missing couple, investigators found their truck empty Sunday in a commuter lot near exit 42 off the Merritt Parkway. Police said one of the windows was broken.

Police are searching the car for clues and looking into the Navins' careers. They are also looking into their financials and social media activity, according to Shaw.

Jeanette Navin works as a paraprofessional in the library resource center at Weston Intermediate School, according to the superintendent, who sent an urgent alert to staff members on Tuesday.

Superintendent Dr. Colleen Palmer described Navin as a "beloved employee" who has worked with the school system for 18 years.

Police said Jeffrey Navin runs J&J Refuse, a waste management company in Westport. A recorded message on the company's phone line says, "Due to a family emergency, some collections have been delayed."

The Easton Police Department is working with other law enforcement agencies to figure out what happened to the couple. Federal agencies have been alerted about the disappearance. Police believe there is no danger to the public.

Anyone with information on the Navins' whereabouts is urged to call Easton police at 203-268-4111.
 

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