Great Barrington — Great Barrington Police have arrested a Housatonic man in connection with several breaks into area buildings and homes. John L. Hobart, 32, of Main Street, was taken into custody yesterday afternoon after a several weeks-long investigation into a string of thefts into unoccupied places. Items stolen included jewelry, copper, hand tools and power equipment.
Yesterday (January 26) police officers executed a search warrant at Hobart’s residence and removed many items of evidence including several firearms. During questioning Hobart told officers he was involved in many of the incidents. Those included three houses, a church and one business, all located in Housatonic. Hobart sold many items at pawnshops in Waterbury, Conn., Pittsfield, and New York state.
Hobart has been charged with five counts of Breaking & Entering in the Nighttime with the Intent to Commit a Felony; and six counts of Larceny Over $250, all felonies as well. The investigation found that Hobart also stole copper from the new Stockbridge Library worksite and broke into a home in Sheffield. He faces additional charges from police departments in those two towns. Great Barrington Police also will be bringing drug related charges against him later this week.
Hobart was arraigned today in Central District Court in Pittsfield. He is being held on $2,500 bail for each charge and will be in Southern Berkshire District Court tomorrow. He is also currently on probation from the Holyoke courts.
“The case is part of an ongoing investigation into heroin and other narcotic investigations in town,” said Police Chief William Walsh.
Police say all of the cases remain under investigation. Officer Christopher Peebles is the lead investigator. Anyone with information about any of the cases is asked to contact the Great Barrington police Department at 413-528-0306.
