Package Thieves Arrested in Boston, Gifts To Be Returned

BOSTON, MA - Dozens of stolen packages are set to be returned to their rightful owners after Boston and local law enforcement officials arrested four individuals suspected of stealing them.

In a press release, Attorney General Maura Healey noted four suspects were arrested and arraigned in connection with a series of break-ins at restaurants in Quincy and Taunton, allegedly smashing cash boxes and forcibly ripping away safes.

During the investigation, authorities uncovered dozens of stolen Amazon packages at one of the suspect’s homes.

The Attorney General’s Office said they were in touch with Amazon and have begun returning the packages so they can be delivered before the weekend.

Jason Geddes, 29, of Boston and Dharol Joyner, 33, of Boston, were arraigned on Tuesday in Quincy District Court in connection with a break-in and theft from a Wendy’s restaurant in Quincy on Dec. 14. Both Geddes and Joyner were charged with Breaking and Entering a Building in the Nighttime to Commit a Felony, Larceny Over $250, Possession of Burglarious Tools, Malicious Destruction of Property and Conspiracy (one count each).

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges, with bail for Geddes set at $15,000 and bail for Joyner set at $7,500. They are due back in court on Jan. 16 for a probable cause hearing.

While searching Joyner’s home, investigators uncovered dozens of unopened Amazon packages and boxes addressed to customers in Greater Boston. Investigators believe that Joyner stole these packages while working a part-time job as a delivery contractor.

During the investigation authorities recovered a loaded firearm, ammunition, prybars, a crowbar, a sledgehammer and other burglarious tools, clothing, thousands of dollars of cash, ski masks, gloves, cellular telephones, identifying documents, and other evidence.

Daniel Vo, 23, of Boston, was also arrested yesterday in connection with the break-ins and will be arraigned at a later date.

Edward Nugent, 55, of Weymouth, was arraigned yesterday in Taunton District Court in connection with a break-in and theft from a Wendy’s restaurant in Taunton on Nov. 26. He was charged with Malicious Destruction of Property, Breaking and Entering a Building in the Nighttime to Commit a Felony, Larceny Over $250, Possession of Burglarious Tools, and Conspiracy (one count each).

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held on $10,000 cash bail and on a probation detainer for unrelated charges. Nugent is due back in court on Jan. 18 for a probable cause hearing.

The arrests are a result of an investigation by the AG’s Office, the Boston Police Department, Brookline Police Department, Quincy Police Department, Taunton Police Department, Medford Police Department, Hanover Police Department, Stoughton Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center and the Boston Regional Intelligence Center into a number of breaking and entering incidents at area restaurants.

“I commend the work of all the officers involved in this investigation. Outcomes like this happen because of the strong relationships already in place with our local and state law enforcement partners,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Evans. “I especially want to recognize the work of the Boston Police Department’s Boston Regional Intelligence Center. Detectives assigned to the BRIC were instrumental in investigating this case from the beginning and worked closely with the Brookline and Massachusetts State Police. Their collective efforts and investigative skills led to the identification and arrests of those responsible.”

This investigation is ongoing. These charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“This investigation was the result of a strong partnership between the Attorney General’s Office, Boston Police Department, Brookline Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police,” said AG Healey. “Through these efforts, we’re able to stop these break-ins and send dozens of holiday gifts home to families where they belong.”