Statewide Burglary Suspect Sold Stolen Tools Online: Cops

EAST LYME, CT — In both of the fall 2019 home burglaries, Stihl brand power tools like backpack blowers and chain saws were among the stolen goods. East Lyme detectives found that the stolen tools appeared for sale on Craigslist and Letgo, the latter is a website and app where people meet up to buy and sell stuff. Police met up with 48-year-old Michael J. Peck of Groton.

On Oct. 22 in East Lyme, there were two home burglaries, one on Walnut Hill Road and the other on Grassy Hill Road. In one, the burglar broke in though a first floor window, and in the other an unlocked outdoor shed was burgled. In both break-ins, similar power equipment was taken.

Investigators began talking to Peck through the seller websites and asked for specifics about the chain saws and backpack blowers. Police said Peck gave them the model, make and serial numbers, which matched power equipment that had been stolen a few days before during a Salem house burglary. During the course of the investigation, police connected Peck to several other burglaries "spanning multiple parts of the state" including East Lyme.

So police set a place and time and Peck met them and was arrested.

Police say several other police agencies are expected to seek arrest warrants for Peck’s involvement in crimes occurring in their jurisdictions. Indeed, on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2020, City of Groton Police arrested Peck based on the active arrest warrants that the East Lyme Police held. He was charged of third-degree burglary fourth-degree and fifth-degree larceny, police said, and was held on two $50,000 bonds.

Peck's last known address was 425 Bridge St. in Groton, police say.