One Arrest Leads to Another, and Another

A city man arrested for using credit cards he allegedly stole from customers at a local gym also faces charges for burglarizing City Hall, and a popular downtown eatery.

Frank Hampson, 31, last known address, 11 McClaren Ave., was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for fraudulent use of a credit card, a class A felony. Hampson was arrested at the NH State Prison. He was being held at the prison since May 29 for an unrelated probation violation.

Hampson was arrested after an investigation by members of the Nashua Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division regarding a reported theft of credit cards which were later used at local retail stores to make purchases in excess of $1,500, elevating it to a felony.

Police said Hampson acquired the stolen credit cards by allegedly taking car keys from unlocked gym lockers at a local fitness club, then going through the cars looking for wallets and purses left behind. He then used the stolen cards to make purchases from local businesses, according to police.

During the course of the credit card investigation by police detectives, Hampson was developed as a suspect in burglaries at Nashua City Hall and Martha’s Exchange.

Police said Hampson walked into City Hall during normal business hours and broke into a locked office where he attempted to get into a file cabinet where money was stored, police said.

Hampson had no known official capacity with the city, and was only known to the restaurant as a customer.

A class A felony is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, exclusive of fines. A class B felony is punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment. Hampson is being held without bail pending his arraignment at the 9th Circuit Court - Nashua District Division on June 12, 2012.