After a six-year pursuit, Stoughton Police Department has brought a suspect, Stanley Mitchell, 34, of Newton, New Jersey, back to Massachusetts to face multiple charges for a 2019 break-in and assault on an elderly woman. According to Stoughton Police Department's announcement, Mitchell was apprehended on March 20 at the Broome County Correctional Facility in Binghamton, New York, on two fugitive from justice warrants. The charges against Mitchell include entering a dwelling by false pretenses with the intent to commit a felony, larceny over $1,200, conspiracy, witness intimidation, and vandalizing property.
Mitchell's arrest and subsequent extradition came after he failed to appear for a pre-trial conference in August 2024, which led to the issuance of a default warrant. On March 20, Officers John Lydstone and Joe DeSousa executed the extradition, and Mitchell made his court appearance in Norfolk County Superior Court the next day, where his bail was set at $35,000.
The ordeal began on February 2, 2019, around 1:20 p.m., when Stoughton Police were called to a house break-in on Halliden Place. The authorities say Mitchell, impersonating a utility worker, forced entry into the home of an 82-year-old woman, assaulted her, stole approximately $4,000 worth of valuables, and then fled the scene. Detective Daniel Barber collaborated with the Broome County District Attorney's Office to facilitate Mitchell's return to Massachusetts to face the charges.
Chief Donna McNamara spoke highly of Sgt. Robert Kuhn's resolve in this case, noting his "tenacious and tireless efforts for six years to pursue justice for the victim and her family." Sgt. Kuhn's investigation included reviewing surveillance video, subpoenaing records, and working with multiple law enforcement agencies, which ultimately led to identifying Mitchell as the suspect, as detailed by Stoughton Police Department.
In addition to Mitchell's indictment, a co-conspirator was also charged in connection with the incident. Sgt. Kuhn had previously secured the return of the co-conspirator from Florida to Stoughton for prosecution. As the case moves forward, it should be remembered that these are allegations, and all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
