Fake Maintenance Workers Allegedly Steal Elderly Woman’s Safe

North Andover Police Chief Charles Gray.

Two Gloucester men pleaded not guilty during their arraignments Wednesday to stealing a safe from an elderly North Andover women after they pretended to be maintenance workers.

Sean Peres, 36, and Michael Lorenzana, 39, were arrested by North Andover and Gloucester police Tuesday and issued their pleas at Lawrence District Court.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Katherine Fennel Kelly told the court that last Dec. 26, Peres and a woman entered the 81-year-old victim’s apartment, claiming that they worked for the maintenance department at the Royal Crest Apartment complex, and were there to make repairs in the victim’s bedroom.

While the woman engaged the victim in conversation, Peres entered the victim’s bedroom. The woman subsequently discovered that a safe containing jewelry, documents and personal belongings had been stolen. Fennel Kelly told the court that Lorenzana had been terminated from his job as a maintenance employee for the complex, and had conspired with Peres and two other suspects to rent a U-Haul truck, gain access to the victim’s apartment and remove the safe.

Peres pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy, larceny over $250 from a person over 60, and related charges. Lorenzana pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy and receiving stolen property over $250. Judge Michael Uhlarik set bail at $20,000 for Peres, $7,500 for Lorenzana, and continued their cases until May 17 for a pre-trial hearing.

A third defendant, Jacques Rodolosi, 31, also of Gloucester, was arrested Wednesday by Gloucester Police and is expected to be arraigned today in Lawrence District Court. A warrant has issued for a fourth defendant.

The investigation was led by the North Andover Police Department, assisted by the Gloucester Police Department. The case will prosecuted by Essex Assistant District Attorney Phil Mallard.