NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPUTER THIEVES INDICTED Two indicted in theft of laptops


12/16/2007
Two indicted in theft of laptops

Aaron Aldridge
Staff Writer

CLAREMONT - Police officials believe they have solved the theft of seven laptop computers that were stolen from Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center in Claremont one year ago.

Jerry Andrews, 19, of Park Avenue in Claremont was indicted on one count of theft by a Sullivan County grand jury Thursday for allegedly stealing the computers.

"This is a case that is particularly offensive to the community because those computers are paid for with taxpayer dollars," Claremont Police Capt. Colby Casey said.

According to police, Andrews was a student in one of the alternative education programs when the thefts occurred.

"His familiarity with the building is a direct connection," Casey said.

The indictment alleges that Andrews stole the computers with an accomplice, Matthew Jones, 18, of Walnut Street in Claremont and entered the building late on the night of Dec. 13, 2006, before leaving with the loot sometime after midnight.

The Dell computers are estimated to be worth in excess of $1,000, but the exact amount has not been disclosed.

If convicted, Andrews faces up to seven and a half to 15 years in prison and a $4,000 fine.

The two men were implicated in another burglary when they were indicted on charges last month relating to a burglary at a bicycle shop July 30, 2006.

Andrews allegedly entered the business while Jones acted as a lookout. Andrews then allegedly stole a mountain bike worth more than $1,000 and took it out of state.

Andrews was indicted on one count of burglary and one count of receiving stolen property while Jones was indicted on one count of accomplice liability.