Newton Man Charged in Return Scheme at Dedham Lowes

DEDHAM, MA — A former Newton firefighter ran a return scheme at area hardware stores, including one in Dedham, authorities said.

John P. Sheehan, 31, of Newton, was arraigned in Framingham District Court Wednesday, according to the Metrowest Daily News. He is charged with three counts of larceny of more than $250 by false pretense.

Police in Framingham started investigating Sheehan in June after Lowes security officers informed police that he was conducting a return scheme. Police say surveillance video shows him walking into the store empty-handed, putting items into a carriage, and bringing them to the return counter with a receipt from a previous purchase.

In addition to the Framingham scheme, police say he allegedly ran the scam at Lowes in Dedham and Woburn.

Sheehan has been ordered to stay away from all three stores. He is due back in court on Nov. 15.

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