ESSEX — Essex police have filed their own set of charges against a man arrested in Beverly last month on drug allegations and in connection to a rash of house break-ins throughout the North Shore.
Michael J. Crotty, 28, of 1 Rand Circle, Danvers, had been under surveillance by a task force of police detectives from several North Shore communities for his suspected involvement in the burglaries when he was arrested in January.
According to Essex police Sgt. Paul Francis, Crotty kicked in a door and stole several thousand dollars worth of merchandise and other various items from a Turtle Back Road residence on Nov. 22.
Following an extensive investigation by Detective Ryan Davis, in conjunction with several other communities, Crotty was charged with receiving stolen property over $250, breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, larceny from a building, malicious destruction of property, and conspiracy in the Essex case.
The criminal complaints were delivered to Gloucester District Court on Thursday, Francis said.
Essex police also filed charges of receiving stolen property over $250 and conspiracy against Jennifer Clark, 23, of 201/2 Webb St., Middleton.
Crotty's bail was doubled this week as he faced new charges in Salem District Court.
He was already in custody on $20,000 bail after his arraignment in January on drug-related charges. Police at the time said they were planning to charge Crotty in connection with some of the breaks.
Monday, his bail was raised to $40,000 when Crotty was arraigned in Salem District Court on charges related to a string of new cases. He faces multiple counts of receiving stolen property, as well as breaking and entering and larceny. He pleaded not guilty.
An investigation has linked Crotty to house breaks in Beverly, Wenham, Hamilton, Ipswich, Georgetown, Topsfield, Boxford, Newbury, Lynnfield, and now, Essex according to court papers.
All of the breaks occurred during November and December of last year.
Crotty is scheduled to be arraigned on the Essex charges in Gloucester District Court on March 29.
Staff Writer Julie Manganis contributed to this report by Jonathan L'Ecuyer, L'Ecuyer can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3451 or jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
