Alleged Norwood Grinch Faces Theft Charges; Ordered Held On Bail

NORWOOD, MA — An alleged Grinch tried to steal Christmas from Norwood and now faces charges, police said.

Nakia Gunter, 43, of Norwood, was arrested Tuesday and charged with larceny of items worth less than $250, four counts of receiving stolen property worth less than $250 and receiving stolen property worth more than $250. He was arraigned Wednesday in Dedham District Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

While in court, Gunter was allowed to remain out of sight due eyewitness issues and remained in the stairwell to the courtroom as the police report was read.

At about 2 p.m., a resident on Earle Street reported a person who appeared to steal a package from the doorstep of their neighbor's house. A description of the person, the vehicle, and the plate number were sent to officers and a short time later, police were able to find the suspect, identified as Gunter, and the vehicle sitting on the side of the road.

When police asked Gunter why the vehicle was on the side of the road, he replied that the vehicle belonged to his girlfriend, who he claimed was making deliveries for Amazon. Another resident on Pleasant Street said they had photos of Gunter stealing a package and told police they saw him slowly driving around the area. Gunter denied being at the scene, but police allegedly found several packages in the vehicle that did not belong to Gunter, including packages for the Earle Street and Peasant Street homes. A search of his home turned up more stolen goods, they said.

When contacted by police, Gunter's girlfriend said she didn't work for Amazon and she was not aware what he was doing with her vehicle.

After he was arrested, prosecutors say Gunter confessed to the robberies, including some on Jefferson Drive that took place last week.

Gunter's court-appointed attorney, Cynthia Siu, requested a low bail amount between $300-500 and said she did not believe that Gunter was a danger to the community or any individuals.

Gunter was ordered held on $1,000 cash bail and had his bail revoked in an unrelated case out of West Roxbury Municipal Court. The revocation means that he can be held for up to 90 days without bail. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Jan. 11.

Image via Norwood Police Department