Man Arrested After Break In to Shed and Stolen Vehicle

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

Billerica – At approximately 1:35 am this morning Officer Moran was on patrol in the area of the MBTA Station on Billerica Av. While checking the area, Officer Moran observed a Dodge pickup truck traveling west on Mt. Pleasant St headed towards Rogers St very slowly.  Upon further observation, Officer Moran noted that the pickup truck was loaded with two four-wheeled all-terrain-vehicles, one which was loaded in an unsafe manner on top of the other.  In addition, the vehicle had other equipment problems that needed to be addressed with the operator.  Officer Moran was able to signal the vehicle to stop at 61 Rogers St.

While the truck was stopped, it suddenly began to roll forward and came to a stop against a utility pole.  The operator then backed up and exited the vehicle.  He then proceeded to walk towards the rear of his truck and was ordered to return to his vehicle by Officer Moran.  At that time the man ran off towards 61 Rogers St.  Officers Henckler, Hickey and Heffernan arrived at the scene and searched the area for the suspect to no avail.  Officer Tsoukalas was called to the scene with K9 Yak and began a search of the area.

The track began behind Rogers St along the railroad tracks towards Horman Rd and the area of Pollard St. During the track, the Billerica Police Communications Center received a call from Horman Rd with a report of a man attempting to steal a vehicle.  Officer Hickey, who was in the area searching, observed a pickup truck exit Horman Rd at a high rate of speed onto Pollard St.  The suspect ignored police signals to stop and drove over the grass and into the back yard of 48 Pollard St.  The suspect then jumped from the truck and again began to flee on foot.  A new track with K9 Yak began on Call St and the suspect was apprehended a short time later.

Officers were able to confirm that the ATV’s had been stolen from a shed on Mt. Pleasant St and the pickup was confirmed stolen from Horman Rd.

Jason Stewart, 38, of 68 Gray St. Billerica was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Larceny of a motor vehicle
  • Miscellaneous motor vehicle equipment violations
  • Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
  • Failure to stop for police
  • Uninsured motor vehicle
  • Unregistered motor vehicle
  • Attaching registration number plates
  • Receiving stolen property

This case remains under investigation.

Hotel Manager Charged With Stealing From Billerica, Tewksbury Hotels

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

BPD PatchAllegedly put fake employees on the payroll to steal checks

WOBURN – A Lawrence woman was arraigned today on larceny charges for allegedly stealing over $300,000 from two hotels where she worked as a manager, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced today.

Vilma Ajanel, 41, of Lawrence, was arraigned today in Middlesex Superior Court on charges of larceny over $250 (eight counts) and being a common and notorious thief. Middlesex Superior Court Clerk Magistrate Michael Sullivan ordered the defendant held on $1,000 cash bail and conditions that she surrender her passport, not travel outside of Massachusetts, and check in weekly with probation.

The defendant’s next court date is August 7 for a pre-trial hearing.

“This defendant created an elaborate scheme to defraud her employer and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars for her personal use,” District Attorney Ryan said. “She took advantage her position of authority and failed to do the job for which she was hired.”

According to the authorities, in 2010, the defendant was a general manager of Residence Inn in Tewksbury. As the general manager, she was responsible for and had access to hotel finances including payroll and petty cash, as well as the authority to make hiring decisions. As general manager of the Residence Inn, the defendant added three employees to the hotel’s payroll. These employees were never on the schedule and were not actually working at the hotel. The fake employees would appear on the payroll and receive a paycheck. The defendant asked another person to cash the checks and that person would give all of the money to the defendant.

In 2012, the defendant was transferred to the Courtyard Marriott in Billerica, where she continued in the role of general manager. Upon moving to the new hotel, the defendant also transferred the three fake employees to the Marriott’s payroll and continued to receive paychecks for the employees who did not exist. When another hotel employee noticed the new names on the payroll, they were removed, only to be added again by the defendant.

In addition, the defendant had access to large amounts of petty cash at each hotel where she worked. A review of the petty cash revealed that the defendant used the money for personal gain including groceries and gift cards. She would also wire the money to Guatemala, using her own name and also asking others whom she knew to wire the money on her behalf.

It is alleged that during this two year period the defendant stole more than $300,000 from the two hotels.

The hotel terminated the defendant’s employment in September 2012.

The case was investigated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office PACT Unit, Billerica Police and Tewksbury Police.

These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant District Attorney Elisha Willis, chief of the PACT Unit. The Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit is dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of cases of public protection (including white collar, narcotics and organized crime), anti-terrorism, corruption, and cyber/technology.

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National Night Out Celebration – 8/6/13

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

NNO

Billerica will again be celebrating National Night Out – America’s NIGHT OUT against crime this summer on August 6th, 2013 beginning at 5:45PM in Billerica Center.  We will again be partnering with the Billerica Public Library with their annual ice cream fundraiser.

This year we will have the following for the celebration:

  • MA State Police Airwing fly over (Weather permitting)
  • Billerica Police Honor Guard
  • Several Billerica Police Vehicles
  • NEMLEC SWAT Vehicle
  • Middlesex County BearCat Vehicle
  • Billerica Fire Engines
  • Billerica EMS Ambulance
  • NEMLEC Robot Demonstration
  • K9 Demonstration
  • The “Honor Guard Grill” burgers and dogs
  • Free popcorn courtesy of the Billerica Council on Aging
  • Billerica Public Library Ice Cream Fundraiser
  • Concert on the Common featuring the “Country Mile Band”

and

  • “Rami Salami”, the “King of Balloon Twisters” and magician will be performing throughout the event. 

We would like to recognize our generous sponsors for 2013 National Night Out:

7-11 North Billerica, Java’s Brewing, Lynn Way Auto auction, Ma’s Dry Cleaning, Marshall’s Auto sales, Meat Again, Smoke shop of Billerica, and Supreme Pizza.

Any questions or interested sponsors please contact Lt. Troy Opland or Lt. Greg Katz at 978-667-1212.

National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and promotion of various crime prevention programs including neighborhood watch groups, law enforcement agencies, state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, devoted to safer communities. The nations premiere crime prevention network works with law enforcement officials and civilian leaders to keep crime watch volunteers informed, interested, involved and motivated. Since 1981, NATW continues to serve thousands of members across the nation.

Check out the pictures from our 2012 event

Cops For Kids With Cancer Makes Donation To Billerica Family

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

Cops For Kids With Cancer donated $5000 to the family of a boy who is battling health problems related to cancer. Ian Cadden was on hand today to accept the check with his dad, Bill.

Ian

In the last 4 years, including hospital donations, Cops For Kids With Cancer has given to over 200 families in need, totaling more than $1,000,000 in and around New England. www.copsforkidswithcancer.org

Donate to Cops For Kids With Cancer

Driveway and Paving Scams

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

BPD PatchA man knocks on your door and says he has extra asphalt and is willing to pave your driveway at a discounted price.  His high pressure approach confuses and intimidates.  You are not getting a deal, you are being scammed.

If you agree, here is what likely happens.  Men and equipment suddenly appear and begin “working” on your driveway.  At some point, the conman claims a mistake was made and you owe thousands more than the original price.  He threatens that if you refuse to pay, the “work” will cease.  You may be escorted to the bank, to withdraw money.  When you realize the scam you try to cancel the check only to learn it was cashed within minutes of it being written.

Paving scams like this occur regularly in Massachusetts and increase during spring and summer.  The perpetrators target senior citizens and are well known to police across the country.  Criminal charges vary by state but are commonly filed.

Avoid victimization and consider the following suggestions:

  • Beware of unsolicited offers to do paving work.  Do not let the solicitors inside your home.  Calmly but firmly tell the solicitors you are not interested and tell them to leave your property.  If they refuse your instructions call the police.
  • Educate yourself and your family.  Search the internet for “paving scams.”
  • Ask to see proof of the solicitors’ insurance. Con men rarely have worker’s compensation insurance and if one of them is injured at your home, the claim could be made against your homeowner’s insurance.
  • Call the police if they begin “working” without your consent for service.
  • Be a good neighbor.  Paving scams target senior citizens.
  • Call the police if you have questions, or if unfamiliar people or companies appear at your door or in your neighborhood.

This article is intended as a public service announcement.  It is a warning that joins numerous similar warnings that have appeared in newspapers, on television and been sent out by the AARP.  Your vigilance will help police in their effort to keep Massachusetts safe and secure.  When faced with one of these scammers remember, there is no such thing as extra asphalt.

Police Presence at Dutile and Vining Schools

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

BPSUpdate 6/12/13 – Members of the Dutile and Vining communities:

Thank you to those of you that participated in today’s joint informational meeting with the Billerica School and Police Departments regarding recent events that have led to an increased security presence at both the Vining and Dutile Schools. Thank you also to those that were unable to attend but who have also shared their thoughts with us.

In response to concerns that have been raised, and to help address and calm the fears of our communities at both buildings, we have decided with the Billerica Police Department to have an officer present at both schools during all times that school is in session. We are also coordinating with the Police Department to provide additional coverage, as warranted, for special school events.

Please know that nothing has changed with the individual in the last week that would warrant these increased measures. The extra measures are being taken as extra precaution, and our intent is to make sure that parents feel as safe and secure as possible sending their children to school. To reiterate what was stated in the letter sent home to parents last week, there have been no threats made to either school, nor have any students, at any time, been in harm’s way.

Thank you, and if you have additional questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact either me or your child’s principal. Thank you also to the Billerica Police Department for their continued cooperation and support.

Tim Piwowar
Superintendent
Billerica Public Schools

6/7/13 – Today Superintendent Tim Piwowar sent a letter home with students from the Vining and Dutile elementary schools.  Here is the text of the letter and a PDF version is linked below this post.

Parents/Guardians of Dutile and Vining School Students:

As you may be aware, we have recently added a police presence to both the Dutile and Vining Schools during arrival and dismissal times each day.  Please know that there has been no threat made to either building, but that we are cooperating with the Billerica Police Department to provide additional security as a precautionary measure at both buildings in response to suspicious activity involving a former School Department employee.

This presence will continue through the remainder of the school year, and we are very thankful to the Billerica Police Department for their cooperation in this matter.  Please feel free to contact either your child’s principal or my office for additional information.

Sincerely,

Timothy G. Piwowar
Superintendent of Schools

We would like to reiterate the Superintendents assertion that there has been no threat made to either school at this time. This action resulted from an arrest of a former school department employee. The man in question was arrested at the Vining School and charged with trespassing last month.

PDF Version