VERNON – Police arrested a Hartford man for stealing purses from St. Bernard’s Church.
Edward Eaton, 56, of Washington Street in Hartford was charged with third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny, in connection with the December 11th theft.
He is accused of stealing purses belonging to two volunteers who were setting up for a church breakfast with Santa and then going to a local liquor store to make a purchase.
Eaton was on parole at the time of the offense and police said that Eaton attempted to change his appearance following media stories by cutting his hair and shaving. He was remanded to the Department of Corrections custody where he is currently being held.
After the media attention about the theft, several people came forward with information helpful to police. The media publicity given to this case was instrumental to the investigation and the issuance of this warrant, according to police.
