Chief James McIntyre
47 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net
Stoneham Police Arrest Local Dog Walker in Connection with Larcenies
STONEHAM — Chief James McIntyre reports that the Stoneham Police Department arrested a local dog walker after an investigation showed she allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and property from her clients, who had hired her to go into their homes and walk their dogs when they were at work or away.
ANDREA J. SHARBY, AGE 38, OF STONEHAM is charged with:
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $250 (three counts)
- Receiving Stolen Property Under $250 (two counts)
- Larceny by False Pretenses Over $250
- Possession of a Class B Drug (fentanyl)
On March 12, a police officer responded to a Stoneham residence for a report of a past larceny.
Upon arrival, the officer learned that the resident had hired Walk-About Animal Care Services, located at 155 Franklin St. in Stoneham, about a year ago to walk her dog. The business is co-owned by SHARBY.
Over the course of the year, the resident stated that she began to notice clothing and jewelry missing from her home. In total, the resident estimated she had more than $10,000 worth of merchandise missing from her house.
Prior to contacting Stoneham Police, the resident discovered that SHARBY was selling items, many of which the resident recognized as her own, on a website called poshmark.com.
During the investigation, Stoneham Police found SHARBY’S name on multiple pawn shop reports, and was able to connect her to sales of jewelry that were reported stolen out of Winchester.
The Winchester resident who had reported the jewelry stolen had also employed Walk-About Animal Care Services to take care of his pets.
On May 19, Stoneham Police located SHARBY at her home. She was arrested without incident.
During booking, police located several bags of fentanyl on SHARBY’S person. She was released on bail and will be arraigned at Woburn District Court.
“This woman violated her customers’ trust by using her business to steal from people’s homes,” Chief McIntyre said. “I want to commend the work of all involved for bringing this woman to justice.”
The Stoneham Police Department is in possession of several pieces of jewelry whose ownership is unknown. Clients of Walk-About Animal Care Services are encouraged to check their belongings, and if jewelry is missing, contact Detective Patrick Carroll at 781-438-1215, extension 3147.
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