Four charged in air conditioning thefts
October 16, 2012
WOONSOCKET – Four men have been charged in connection with the theft of air conditioning units from the roof of the vacant Wal-Mart building and a more recent larceny from a local restaurant that took place during Autumnfest, police said.
Larry Bates Sr., 52, of Johnston, is facing two counts each of conspiracy and larceny, all felonies. In addition to stealing the rooftop fixtures from the Diamond Hill Road department store earlier this year, the charges include the theft of tables owned by the Broaster House that took place on Columbus Day weekend, during the festival, said Detective Jamie Paone, spokeswoman for the police.
Others facing charges of larceny and conspiracy are Jesse Marinaro, 21, also of Johnston, and two Woonsocket men, Nathan Plante, 23, and Matthew Bruckschen, 27.
Wal-Mart reported the thefts on April 23, estimating its total losses, including the replacement of the air conditioning units and other repairs, to be around $500,000. Paone said 30 units were stolen in all.
Read more in our print edition.
