As reported by the Newbury Port News, a crime spree that culminated in the theft of nearly $100,000 in copper wiring stolen from city marina docks, has resulted in probation that may turn into jail time for one Newbury man if he fails to maintain sobriety or pay his fines.
For his part in a January 26, 2011 theft, the Newbury District Court found T.R.N., 35, guilty of one count of larceny of merchandise. He was sentenced to one year of probation and one year in jail. The jail time was suspended, but it is hinged on him not violating the terms of his probation.
T.R.N. has been ordered to repay the Newburyport Harbor Marina a restitution of $5,000. He must also remain both drug and alcohol free, complete the Office of Community Corrections level 3 program and not go near the marina.
For another theft, occurring January 10, 2011, T.R.N. was also found guilty. He was sentenced to pretrial probation and the case was continued generally for one more year.
On January 26, per court documents, Newburyport police officers were alerted to T.R.N.’s actions as witnesses reported suspicious activities in the Newburyport Harbor Marina. Witnesses saw two men, approximately between the age of 20 or 30, loading wire into the back of a red Ford Mustang on the docks.
The two suspects became aware of the witnesses and proceeded to speed away from the scene. The witnesses, however, were able to note the vehicle’s license plate number and report the information to the police.
The Mustang was located parked in a lot at the Immaculate Conception Church by Newburyport Inspector Brian Brunault. The car’s registration led Inspector Brunault directly to T.R.N.
The first time T.R.N. was questioned he allegedly denied involvement in the crime.
But with the help of retrieved cellular phone text messages police were able to connect a string of thefts leading to T.R.N. From there, police linked the names of participants with the reports given by witnesses – placing the suspects either at the marinas or selling the stolen copper wiring at scrap yards.
By early April T.R.N., along with two more men and one woman, were arrested. Three other men were arrested earlier, in February, also for their involvement with the copper wire thefts.
The thick wire cables, that contained the copper and weighed several hundred pounds, were dismantled with the help of saws and tools strong enough to cut through it. Per police, the job would have required several hours of work to completely cut through the cables.
The cables in the marina are used to run electricity from the marina to boats that are docked there.
Police stated that the thefts accrued over $200,000 worth of damage to the marinas.
If you have been charged for one or more criminal act contact a criminal defense attorney for help. An experienced litigator can help you avoid heavy fines and jail time.
