Teen Nabbed in Series of City Purse Snatchings

(Editor's note: one person's name was removed from this article as they provided Patch documentation showing the charges were annulled.)

Matthew McCormack, 17, of 16 Decatur Drive, Nashua, was arrested May 12 for his alleged part in a series of purse snatchings that occurred in the city over the weekend of Friday March 23, 2012 through Monday March 26, 2012.

McCormack was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for robbery, class B felony. He was also subsequently charged with theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, misdemeanor.

Three other individuals had been previously arrested on March 26, 2012 for their involvement in the same series of purse snatchings. A 16 year old juvenile male from Nashua was charged with three counts of delinquent child conspiracy to commit robbery, class B felony. Bharat Shelat, 19, of 58 Spindlewick Drive, Nashua, was charged with three counts of criminal liability for the conduct of another to robbery, class B felony.

Over the weekend of Friday March 23, 2012 through Monday March 26, 2012 the Nashua Police Department handled several reports of female victims who had their handbags or purses forcefully stolen from them in public areas throughout the city. All the victims reported suffering minor to no injuries and did not require medical attention. The incidents were investigated by members of the Nashua Police Department’s Detective Bureau who obtained the warrant for McCormack.

McCormack is charged with using force while attempting to steal a purse from one victim and stealing another purse from a second victim. Both incidents occurred on March 23, 2012.

A class B felony is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment, exclusive of fines. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, exclusive of fines. McCormack was released to a parent on $2,500 personal recognizance bail pending an arraignment in the 9^th Circuit Nashua District Division Court on June 12, 2012.