Jennifer Tabakin, Town Manager
Town Hall
334 Main St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Contact: Chief William Walsh Jr.
Phone: 413-528-0306
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Great Barrington Police Arrest Five for Larceny after Power Tools Reported Stolen from Local Landscaper
GREAT BARRINGTON — Police Chief William Walsh Jr. reports that the Great Barrington Police Department, after an investigation, has arrested five men after a local landscaper reported several of his power tools stolen from his truck.
On July 20, police received a complaint from the landscaper that he was missing five Stihl brand chainsaws and a leaf blower from his work truck.
An investigation ensued. Later on July 20, police on patrol found two men engaged in apparent intravenous drug activity and an investigation into that activity uncovered heroin, needles, one of the stolen chainsaws, and the stolen leaf blower, which were located in one of the suspect’s cars.
Great Barrington police allege that three suspects allegedly stole the items from the landscaper and pawned them to purchase drugs with the other two men.
As a result:
- DARYL VanDEUSEN, AGE 25, who is homeless was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle and Larceny over $250;
- MICHAEL THORPE, AGE 35, OF MAIN STREET IN GREAT BARRINGTON was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle and Larceny over $250;
- SHAWN M. KEEFNER, AGE 27, OF MAIN STREET IN GREAT BARRINGTON was arrested and charged with Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle and Larceny over $250;
- JEREMY BABCOCK, AGE 28, OF PARK STREET IN HOUSATONIC/GREAT BARRINGTON was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class A Substance (Heroin); and
- JEREMY McDERMOTT, AGE 25, OF STOCKBRIDGE was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property (stolen property was located in his vehicle).
Four stolen chainsaws and the leaf blower have been recovered. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional suspects may be identified and charged.
THORPE pleaded guilty at arraignment Monday in Southern Berkshire District Court and was sentenced to 120 days in the House of Correction. The others were held on bail pending arraignment.
Chief Walsh wishes to acknowledge the hard work of Sgt. Adam Carlotto and Officers Timothy Ullrich, Chad Shimmon, Christopher Peebles, and Daniel Bartini who were instrumental in the rapid arrest of these five suspects.
“These were significant arrests involving individuals who are known to police and who are active in drugs and are willing to steal from hard-working victims to finance their habits,” Chief Walsh said. “We are working closely with the District Attorney’s Office on the prosecution of these cases, and out officers did a great job bringing these cases forward.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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