By Douglas Karlson, Harwich Oracle (Harwich, Mass.)
Harwich police helped bust up what Chief William Mason said was “probably the largest burglary ring in the history of Cape Cod.” The investigation led to a series of arrests and searches last week, netting more than $1 million in stolen property.
A large quantity of jewelry, gold and silver coins, art and other valuables recovered during the investigation were displayed at the Barnstable Police Department headquarters Thursday.
Police Wednesday arrested George Upton, 52, and Frank Upton, 41, both of Hyannis, Mark Fornal, 36, of Plymouth, Jason Sylvester, 26, of Dennis, and Sarah Senno, 25, also of Dennis. Steven Katz, 42, of West Yarmouth, was arrested Thursday.
Barnstable Police Chief John Finnegan estimated the dollar value of the recovered goods at “over $1 million, maybe even $2 million.” He said later that they had arrived at a number of $1.6 million and “we didn’t even get through half of it.” A full inventory had not yet been completed.
George Upton was charged with breaking and entering, larceny, and receiving stolen property. The charges stem from a theft from Eden Jewelers in Dennis in June, according to Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe. He was held on $250,000 cash bail following his arraignment in Orleans District Court Wednesday.
Frank Upton was charged with assault and battery on a police officer. Those charges are said to have resulted from alleged activity at the time a search warrant was executed Wednesday. He was arraigned Wednesday in Barnstable District Court and is being held on $5,000 cash bail.
Fornal was charged with breaking and entering, intent to commit a felony and larceny. The charges stem from a break-in at Barbyann’s Restaurant in Hyannis in December. Similar additional charged were placed later in connection with the theft from Eden Jewelers.
Both Sylvester and Senno were charged as accessories in a break-in at Forest Beach Designs in Chatham in August.
Fornal, Sylvester and Senno were all arraigned Wednesday in Orleans District Court. Sylvester and Senno were released on their own personal recognizance. Fornal was held on $20,000 cash bail.
Katz was charged with receiving stolen property and was held on $25,000 cash bail.
“These people we are dealing with are sophisticated and cunning,” said Finnegan. He hinted at the challenges faced by detectives. Police, he said, can only proceed with probable cause. Detectives, he said, “have to play by the rules, and the bad guys know that.”
Cooperative effort
Harwich Chief Mason described some of those arrested as “well known to law enforcement.” He described George Upton as “a person of interest for 15 years.”
The arrests, said Finnegan, were the result of cooperative efforts involving detectives from several Cape police departments, including Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Harwich and Yarmouth, as well as county sheriffs and state police, and resulted from a lengthy investigation of a number of burglaries over a prolonged period of time.
Mason singled out Harwich Detective Robert Brackett for playing an important role in the investigation.
The chief said the case is another example of refuting a common perception that nothing ever happens on Cape Cod. He said there is a false sense of security among Cape residents. More stolen goods have probably already been fenced, he speculated.
“This is stuff they wanted to keep or had been unable to fence yet,” he said. Asked why so many stolen items would be found, he compared the crime ring to an “entrepreneurial operation,” explaining, “obviously you don’t cash out all your assets at the same time. It draws too much attention.”
In addition, he noted, it would be difficult to fence recognizable paintings by Cape Cod artists locally. Jewelry, he said, is usually broken down, the gems removed and the precious metals melted down.
Asked how victims should proceed with getting back their property, Finnegan requested that they do not go to the Barnstable police station but rather contact the detectives’ office at their local police station.
Finnegan said the stolen goods were found at four locations, including the homes of George Upton and people associated with him.
“In one home they found a place in the wall where paintings were secreted,” said Finnegan. Jewelry was discovered concealed in a secret compartment beneath a stair tread. He said the hiding places were discovered not as the result of a tip but rather from “good police work.”
Approximately 20 valuable antique and contemporary paintings and pictures were recovered. One appeared to be an early 19th century portrait of a man, which Finnegan described as “priceless.” Some are by noted Cape Cod artists including Sam Barber.
One ring, said Finnegan, was valued at $50,000. Other items, he noted, may not be as valuable as that, but may have important sentimental value to theft victims.
Finnegan held out the possibility that more stolen goods will be found.
Also found by police were several large crowbars and bolt cutters, a pair of black gloves, and two telescoping truncheons.
Finnegan credited detectives who meet once a month in Barnstable to discuss investigations. They did the leg work, he said, “they’re the ones who deserve all the credit.”
Dennis Police Chief Michael Whalen credited cooperation among law enforcement officials for solving the case. Criminals, he said, “don’t care where the town lines are.”
First Assistant District Attorney Michael Trudeau said “countless hours” were spent on the investigation. “We have known for some time this operation existed,” said Finnegan. “It’s been a long investigation,” he said, “and it’s still going on.”