Pair Arrested For Berlin Burglaries

BERLIN — Two arrests were made this week in the most recent three-week rash of burglaries and thefts in Berlin, and early indications link the suspects to a similar spree that tormented the otherwise quiet town last spring.

Between April 26 and Tuesday, May 14, Berlin Police received several reports of burglaries and thefts from residences in the town. Through the course of the investigation, Berlin Police were able to develop several suspects. On Tuesday, Berlin Police, with the assistance of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI), were able to secure a search and seizure warrant for a residence on Baker Street and arrested James Hughlett, 61, of Berlin.

Through further investigation, officers were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Kate Hughlett, 23, of Berlin, who was located on Wednesday and arrested.

James Hughlett has been charged with two counts of first-degree burglary and three counts of theft. Kate Hughlett was charged with two counts of first-degree burglary and four counts of theft.

The two suspects were taken before a District Court Commissioner and each was ordered held on a $10,000 bond. On Wednesday, James Hughett posted bond and was released. As of yesterday, Kate Hughlett had not been bonded out and remained in custody. James Hughlett has a preliminary hearing set for June 11, while Kate Hughlett’s preliminary hearing has been set for June 14.

The investigation is ongoing and it remains likely additional charges could be forthcoming against the Hughletts. According to a source, personal property stolen from residences during a weeks-long burglary spree dating back to last spring was recovered at the suspects’ residence during the execution of the search and seizure warrant on Tuesday.

The rash of residential burglaries last spring included at least four in the span of eight days and had local residents on edge while the cases went unsolved. One of the burglaries on Washington Street was particularly troublesome because of the extensive amount of senseless damage the suspect or suspects caused on the property.

The first in the spree last spring occurred on Pitts Street on March 22, followed by a second on Kenwood Court on March 23. A third burglary occurred on Broad Street last March 26, followed by the Washington Street incident.