TV thief arrested

Published 9:55 am Tuesday, October 6, 2009

HENRICO — A worker hired to install a satellite dish is facing burglary charges after he allegedly stole a flat screen television from a residence here.

Gary Thomas Barrett, 23, of 110 Squire Rd. in Gaston was taken into custody by the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with first degree burglary, felony larceny and felony possession of stolen goods.

Northampton County Sheriff’s Chief Detective Captain D.M. Harmon said the charges stem from a break-in of a residence on Sandstone Trail in Henrico, one reported at approximately 5:30 a.m. on September 26. During the break-in, the victim’s flat screen television was stolen.

Harmon said through further investigation, Deputy Josh Langley found that a few weeks earlier the victim had a contractor to come into the home to install a satellite dish to the same television. The officer was able to contact the contractor and was able to get the name and address of the worker (Barrett) that performed the installation. Langley proceeded to the suspect’s home.

“Barrett cooperated and allowed the officer into his home,” said Harmon. “The officer found an identical large flat screen T.V. that matched the one stolen sitting in the (suspect’s) living room. After it was determined that the serial numbers matched the stolen T.V., Barrett agreed to return it back to the owner.”

Barrett was arrested and transported to the Northampton County Jail where he was placed on a $25,000 secured bond.

Harmon commended the arresting deputy for his work on the case.

“Deputy Langley did a good job by following up on clues that led to the arrest of Barrett and the stolen property being returned to the rightful owner,” said Harmon.