Berkeley Police Arrest Phony Lacey Plumber On Burglary, Drug Charges

Berkeley police have charged a Lacey man who posed as a plumber with two counts of burglary after he broke into an empty home on Guadeloupe Drive and stole valuables from the house, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Michael D'Autorio, 30, Drew Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, also went to other houses in the retirement village pretending to solicit work, the chief said.

D'Autorio took valuables from the empty home. He also entered an unlocked vehicle in the neighborhood and took a wallet and credit cards, the chief said.

Berkeley and Lacey detectives identified D'Autorio and arrested him without incident. They also seized a 2005 BMW and a large amount of cash, DiMichele said.

"Observant residents were crucial to solving this burglary," the chief said.

Municipal Court Judge James Gluck set D'Autorio's bail at $5,000 cash. He was released after posting bail.

Berkeley detectives on Dec. 7 also executed a search warrant on D'Autorio's 2005 BMW on Dec. 7 and found various prescription narcotics that did not belong to him. Some were proceeds from the original burglary, DiMichele said.

He was also charged with possession of hydrocodone, possession of oxycodone, possession of alprazolam, possession of codeine as well as the theft of these items from the original victim. D’Autorio was also charged with possession of burglar tools. Gluck set his bail for the drug charges at $30,000 cash, the chief said.

D’Autorio was arrested without incident at his home. He was later transported to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

Residents are reminded to be vigilant of contractors coming to their home unsolicited. Residents are urged to contact police if suspicious activity is occurring in the area. Tips can be reported to the Berkeley Township Police by calling 732-341-1132 x 611. Tips can remain anonymous.

Image: Patch file photo.