Former Connecticut law enforcement officer, Patrick Hemingway, is currently being investigated for his suspected involvement in a series of burglaries spanning Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. An unsealed warrant suggests Hemingway, 37, may be tied to over 30 incidents of burglary where businesses and restaurants were primarily targeted, as reported by Boston.com.
Despite Hemingway being charged last month with computer crimes and making a false rapidly statement, more charges are anticipated. The unsealed warrant suggests that he misused a police database over 80 times, with some inquiries relating to his own vehicle and his wife's. The warrant also suggests Hemingway may have been monitoring whether he was under investigation himself.
The suspect's methods, as detailed in the warrant, include the usage of a mask, gloves, a hooded sweatshirt, and a flashlight held in a "tactical manner." The suspect also appeared to carry a "coiled, corded object to his left ear," resembling a portable police radio used by the Glastonbury Police Department, where Hemingway was formerly employed, as reported by ABC News.
At various burglary sites, the presence of lock-picking tools was noted. Notably, Hemingway left a lock-picking tool kit behind upon resigning from the Glastonbury Police Department on September 1, according to the warrant. Cell phone data and images of a vehicle matching his wife's were also linked to multiple break-in sites.
While the burglary investigation continues, Hemingway has been arrested and is being held on a $1 million bond. His lawyer, James E. Sulick, contends that the bond is too high, comparing it to bonds set in murder cases. Hemingway, who was studying to be a commercial pilot, was first arrested on September 22 at a New Jersey airport and later extradited to Connecticut.
Upon reports of possible involvement of a former officer in a recent burglary, the Glastonbury Police Department engaged the Connecticut State Police Major Crimes unit for assistance, due to the fact it spans multiple jurisdictions.
