Man Allegedly Steals Wallet From Dentist Office; Tries to Return It

 arrested a Warren man this week after he allegedly went into a local dentist office and stole an employee's wallet, then tried to return it after-hours. 

John Vento, 46, of 72 Kickmuit St., Warren, was arrested at 10:57 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17. He is charged with one count of felony breaking and entering a building without consent, one felony count of receiving stolen goods and larceny under $500.

According to Lt. Patrick Jones, police received a report around 6 p.m. Tuesday of a larceny at a dentist office located at 2488 Main Road. An officer responded and spoke with an employee, who reported that her wallet containing her driver's license, credit cards and approximately $40 in cash went missing. 

"She told the officer of the people who were in the office at the time of the alleged theft," Jones said. "She described one individual, later identified as John Vento, who was present in the office waiting for his girlfriend receiving treatment."

Jones said the victim remembered Vento because "on several occassions" he was walking back and forth between the patient area, the waiting room and the restroom. Vento and his girlfriend reportedly left the office and shortly thereafter, the victim discovered her wallet missing. Jones said the victim even contacted the patient—the girlfriend—and questioned if she had any information regarding the missing wallet. Jones said that while the victim was speaking to the girlfriend on the phone, the boyfriend, Vento, allegedly called the dentist office back on a separate line while the police officer was present. The officer requested Vento and his girlfriend come to the police station.

At the station during questioning, Jones said the two denied having any knowledge or involvement in the wallet theft. They were allowed to leave.

Soon after the two left, Jones said police received a witness report of suspicious activity at the dentist office. The caller stated that a man was seen running around the back. Police responded to the building, and in the foyer of the main entrance, reportedly found the stolen wallet lying on the floor. The description of the vehicle provided by the witness matched the description of the vehicle driven by Vento and his girlfriend.

Vento and the girlfriend were called back into the police station and interviewed a second time, Jones said. This time, Jones said Vento admitted to taking the wallet and later attempting to return it by entering the building after hours and throwing the wallet into the foyer. Vento was charged.

Jones noted the case remains under investigation, with charges pending for the girlfriend.