Man Tries to Exchange Lost Phone for Ransom Money in Glastonbury: Cops

GLASTONBURY, CT — A man has been charged for trying to hold a lost cell phone for ransom money over the long holiday weekend, police said.

The cell phone was lost — or stolen — on July 2 in Glastonbury, according to an arrest report. Thomas Lawrence, 60, of East Hartford, contacted the owner of the phone and said he would return it in exchange for money, according to an arrest report.

Police, posing as the phone's owner, arranged a meeting in East Hartford with Lawrence. When the exchange was about to be made, Lawrence was arrested and charged with sixth-degree larceny, according to a arrest report.

He posted a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 19, police said.

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