Woonsocket Man Helps Neighbor Apprehend Thief

On May 24 at about 1:13 p.m., Woonsocket Police were called to the area of 36 Providence St. for a report of a person stealing objects from back yards.

When Officer Jeffery Gagnon arrived, he found Brandon Lee Mota, 19, of 273 Third Ave., Apt. 3rd, sitting on the ground next to a standing Brandon Lebrie. Also with Mota was Cera Joyner, 27, of the same address as Mota.

Lebrie told Gagnon he'd chased Mota down after hearing a commotion and walking outside his home to see his neighbor, Richard Horent, 59, talking to Joyner.

Horent said he'd noticed his neighbor, Mota, run through his back yard and Labrie's yard and was attempting to catch up with him to ask what he was doing in his yard. Labrie said the fleeing Mota had been in Horent's camper earlier, while Joyner was nearby, and Horent should check it for missing items.

Horent checked, finding about $1,500 worth of silver items had been taken from the camper, and Labrie began chasing after Mota, calling police. 

Gagnon arrested Mota, charging him with breaking and entering during the day, and conspiracy, both felonies. At the station, Mota signed a statement saying Joyner had assisted him in the theft. 

Horent later informed police he had located Joyner on Main Street, and she was arrested as well, also charged with breaking and entering during the day, and conspiracy.  

Representatives from the flea market and Timeless Antiques, where Mota had sold Horent's belongings, arranged to return his items.