These Two Stole Operation Santa Claus Gifts: NHSP

A Concord man was arrested yesterday and was arraigned in Concord Circuit Court on a burglary charge later today for breaking into the New Hampshire Department of Transportation building in Concord and stealing tools as well as gifts for needy children.

James E. Pechacek, 23, pictured left, is charged for his role in the crime that occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the New Hampshire State Police. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

Thousands of dollars of gift cards and toys were stolen from a state garage used to house Operation Santa Claus headquarters, a program that collects donations to provide gifts to underprivileged children during the holiday season. A search on a warrant conducted at Pechacek’s residence at the Royal Concord Gardens apartment complex revealed evidence connected to the crime, according to investigators.

The search warrant was a joint NHSP and Concord Police effort, according to NHSP Trooper Timothy Beers.

Charges are also being sought against another Concord man in connection with the burglary.

Hector Lito Rodriguez, 21, pictured right, is currently held at the Merrimack County House of Corrections on a bench warrant for an unrelated criminal trespassing offense.

More arrests in connection to the burglary are expected to soon follow, according to Beers.