Three Charged with Stealing Checks, Other Valuables from Salem Cars

Salem Police arrested three Methuen, Mass. residents Saturday for breaking into cars in the Salem area and stealing checks, credit cards and other valuables.

Christopher Asselin, 24, was charged with two counts of theft, conspiracy to commit theft and loitering/prowling.

Marc Berard, 24, was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy to commit theft.

Donald Pappalardo, 52, was charged with conspiracy to commit theft, open container and reciving stolen property.

According to police, Salem Officer Steve McPherson stopped the suspects in their vehicle at 2:19 a.m. for infractions in the area of IHOP on Route 28.

Police said that the rear seat passenger was "moving around and making furtive movements."

When McPherson made contact with the vehicle, he observed all three occupants acting very nervous and a checkbook on the rear floor of the vehicle. The name on the checkbook didn't match the name of anyone in vehicle, and Asselin said that it was his aunt's.

At that time, McPherson located numerous credit cards in different names and two GPS devices.

After the owners of the checks and cards were contacted, they searched their vehicles to find that the items had been stolen.

The suspects said during the investigation that they were in Salem breaking into cars. All three were taken into custody and arrested without incident and held on cash bail.

Salem Police are asking that if any resident had their car broken into Friday night to contact McPherson at 603-893-1911.