Chelmsford, Wenham Holiday Package Theft Suspect Arrested

CHELMSFORD, MA — A Revere man was arrested this week in connection with a series of package thefts in Chelmsford. David Gomez, 25, was found with LSD during his arrest and charged with a host of crimes. He is also a suspect in a series of similar package thefts in Wenham.

Chelmsford police Chief James Spinney said officers were alerted to Gomez Tuesday by a Berkley Drive resident who reported the suspect stole an envelope out of a mailbox. Officer found Gomez nearby in a white van, Spinney said.

"Officers found a cardboard box in the front passenger's seat with multiple items inside," Spinney said in a statement. "Officers seized several Christmas cards, envelopes addressed to sanitation and recycling workers and packages from the vehicle. The cards were addressed to several addresses in both Chelmsford and Wenham."

Spinney continued, "Also in the van, a pill bottle was found with what is believed to be a dose of the psychedelic drug LSD inside. In GOMEZ'S pockets, police found $505 in cash that had allegedly been taken from numerous cards and multiple gift cards."

Chelmsford police charged Gomez with receiving stolen property over $250, larceny over $250 and drug possession.

Wenham police are investigating Gomez and could issue charges.

Police said anyone who has been a recent victim of package theft can contact Chelmsford police at 978-256-2521 and Wenham police at 978-468-4000.

Police shared these tips to avoid being a victim of package theft:

• "Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
• Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
• Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
• Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
• Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
• Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
• If you find your package has been stolen, reach out to your local police and report it immediately.
• Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased."

Photo: David Gomez's mugshot following his arrest in Chelmsford December 19, 2017. (Credit: Chelmsford Police Department)