Man Who Stole From Homes Across County Pleads Guilty

A Dorchester man pled guilty on charges stemming from a series of burglaries in Middlesex County, said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Craig Cromartie, 46, pled guilty on all counts, including breaking and entering a dwelling in the night time (five counts), attempted breaking and entering (four counts), breaking and entering a building in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, possession of burglarious tools, larceny over $250 (five counts), larceny in a building, receiving stolen property (six counts), wanton destruction of property over $250 (two counts), being a habitual offender, being a common and notorious thief, and being a common and notorious receiver.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Maynard Kirpalani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 20 in Woburn Superior Court at 9 a.m.

“This defendant is being held responsible for several burglaries that occurred in Middlesex County,” District Attorney Ryan said. “Items ranging from credit cards to computers to ladies handbags were reported stolen and later found in his possession by police. We appreciate the coordinated work by multiple law enforcement agencies involved in this case.”

Natick Police, Framingham Police, Medford Police, Newton Police, Cambridge Police, Needham Police, Dedham Police, Wellesley Police, Brookline Police, Boston Police and Norfolk County NORPAC Task Force all collaborated on this investigation.

According to authorities, Cromartie also committed several burglaries in Norfolk County. An investigation led to the Framingham and Natick areas where Cromartie burglarized two large apartment complexes, breaking into and attempting to break into several apartments.

In a search of Cromartie’s home and a hotel room in Framingham where he was staying, police discovered stolen items from reported apartment breaks in Framingham, Natick, Waltham, Cambridge, and Newton. Among the items found were jewelry, clothing, handbags, a laptop computer and personal items.

The break-ins occurred between December 2011 and June 2012. Cromartie was arrested on June 18, 2012. He still faces charges in Norfolk County and Suffolk County.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case is Sarah Fallon. The Victim Witness Advocate is Lesia Schymonowytsch. The Paralegal is Jaime Lepizzera.

Information submitted by the office of the Middlesex District Attorney