For Immediate Release

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Office: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Groveland Police Arrest Man in Connection with Multiple House Break-Ins

GROVELAND — Deputy Chief Jeffrey Gillen is praising the members of the Groveland Police Department for their outstanding police work, which culminated in the recent arrest of a man in connection with at least two house break-ins in Groveland.

“This was a fine example of strong detective work by our department,” Deputy Gillen said. “I am proud of the consistent hard work and dedication of the Groveland Police Department, which has once again resulted in another criminal being taken off of our streets.”

As a result of the investigation, JOHN T. BALKUS, AGE 40, OF WEST NEWBURY, was arrested on Oct. 21 and was charged with:

• Breaking and Entering During the Day with Intent to Commit a Felony
• Breaking and Entering During the Daytime
• Trespassing (Two Counts)
• Illegal Possession of a Class-E Substance
• Larceny over $250

On Oct. 21, police responded to a long-vacant home on Holly Lane for a report of a suspicious person. Police found BALKUS hiding in the basement. He had several items in his possession, and in a backpack, including silver housewares and jewelry, that he claimed he found in the trash and along the road.

Police arrested BALKUS at the scene on Holly Lane.

An investigation by Groveland Police soon connected him to another burglary at a home JB Little Road that occurred two days earlier, Oct. 19, in which the homeowner reported several items stolen, including several guitars. Police were able to determine that BALKUS allegedly pawned the stolen guitars at a store in Danvers, and that he pawned several other items related to the JB Little Road burglary, and other items whose rightful owners have yet to be found. Items include jewelry, silver housewares, utensils, and decor.

“We want to get the word out to police and residents in our communities, because we suspect that this individual may have burglarized other homes in the area, and we hope that potential victims will come forward,” Deputy Gillen said. 

Groveland Police encourage anyone who suspects they may have had similar items stolen from them to contact the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

BALKUS was booked at the Groveland Police Department and was held on $5,000 cash bail at the Middleton House of Correction pending arraignment at Haverhill District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. 

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