MASSACHUSETTS COMPUTER THIEF ADMITS TO STEALING ROOMMATE'S COMPUTER http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x280145155

Man admits to stealing roommate's computer, police say

FRAMINGHAM —
A Framingham man never denied he stole his roommate's cell phone and laptop computer on Sunday and laughed when he was confronted about it, police said.

Marcio Madureira, 28, told investigators he resold the items to get money for rent, and then said he sent the money to Brazil, police spokesman Lt. Paul Shastany said.

The victim, whom police did not name, reported the theft at 8 p.m. He said his roommate stole the laptop and cell phone while he was sleeping.

Officer Phil Martinez asked how he knew Madureira was the thief.

"He said Madureira told him," said Shastany. "He said he came in at 2 a.m., took the items and then walked out to the parking lot and sold it to someone. Madureira was taunting the victim, laughing at him when they were talking about it."

The victim found the person to whom Madureira sold the laptop, but he had already resold it, police said.

Martinez met with Madureira and questioned him about the apparent theft.

"He said, 'Yeah, I took it. I needed money for rent,' " said Shastany. "The officer asked where the money was, and he said he already mailed it to Brazil."

Madureira was arrested and police tracked down the man who bought the laptop from him. The man said he bought it for $200 and immediately resold it for $500, the lieutenant said. The man claimed he did not know the computer was stolen and didn't know where the cell phone was.

Police have yet to find it.

Madureira, of 126 Beaver St., was charged with larceny of property worth more than $250 and larceny of property worth less than $250.

He pleaded not guilty yesterday in Framingham District Court and was ordered held without bail because he had a warrant from Newburyport District Court charging him with assault and battery on a police officer. He is scheduled to appear in that court today.

(Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@cnc.com.)