Epsom State Rep’s Son Busted

The teenage son of a former Republican state representative was arrested last month and charged with theft from Walmart.

Charles Soltani, 17, of Epsom, the son of state Rep. Tony Soltani, was arrested on Aug. 27, on a theft by unauthorized taking or transfer charge. He was arrested at 7 a.m. at the store's Loudon Road location, according to an arrest report.

Police allege that Charles Soltani stole miscellaneous items valued at $547.29. Also obtained, as evidence by police, according to the report, was a collared shirt he was wearing on video surveillance, two White Air Jordan basketball sneakers, a receipt for items stolen, CD with video of the theft, and photos.

Soltani reportedly attends Pembroke Academy. He was released on personal recognizance bail was set at $2,000 and is due in Sixth Circuit District Division Court on Oct. 1.

Tony Soltani was ousted in his Republican primary last week by about 150 votes, according to the Secretary of State’s website of election results. State Rep. Dan McGuire, R-Pittsfield, and Gerard LeDuce, a Pittsfield selectman, both bested Tony Soltani in the contest.

Tony Soltani, who is also a municipal attorney and a frequent of House Speaker William O’Brien, was arrested himself in April and indicted in May on felony reckless conduct charges allegedly involving a high speed chase on Route 28. According to press reports, Tony Soltani allegedly chased after another man who had fled the scene of a traffic stop on Route 28. Tony Soltani’s defense had been that he was attempting to assist the police but prosecutors disagree, calling his car a deadly weapons.

The case is scheduled to go to trial in February 2013.