Accused burglar held without bail

A Ludlow man pleaded not guilty Monday in Windsor Superior Criminal Court to six counts of burglary following a month-long crime spree targeting businesses in Springfield, Ludlow and Weathersfield.


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2016-12-20 / Front Page Accused burglar held without bail By ALLAN STEIN allans@eagletimes.com Bradley Elliott during his arraignment in Windsor County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 19. — ALLAN STEIN Bradley Elliott during his arraignment in Windsor County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 19. — ALLAN STEINWHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Ludlow man pleaded not guilty Monday in Windsor Superior Criminal Court to six counts of burglary following a month-long crime spree targeting businesses in Springfield, Ludlow and Weathersfield. Judge Theresa S. DiMauro ordered Bradley Elliott, 33, of 51 Andover St. to be held without bail pending a status conference set for Jan. 17. Elliott was represented Monday by Attorney Christopher Dall of Norwich. All six charges were filed by the Springfield Police Department in connection with burglaries at Kwik Stop in Springfield on Sept. 28, P & M Auto in Springfield on Sept. 26, Black Rock Steakhouse in Springfield on Sept. 26, Wellwood Orchard in Weathersfield on Sept. 9, Okemo Valley Golf Course in Ludlow on Sept. 30, and Sam’s Steakhouse in Ludlow on Sept. 22. Elliott has been deemed a habitual offender in Vermont, having three grand larceny convictions in 2007 and November of this year. Police allege that Elliott and a male accomplice committed the burglaries to support a heroin habit, then bragged about it later. They also reportedly coordinated their efforts on social media. One witness told police that Elliott is believed to be connected with 50 to 100 burglaries of private homes and businesses throughout the area, according to the 16-page arrest affidavit. In the Kwik Stop burglary, police allege that Elliott and his accomplice, with the help of a former employee, broke into the convenience store at 360 River St. in Springfield around 3:49 a.m., Sept. 28 by smashing the front glass door to gain entry. The two got away with a safe which held $3,704 in cash, including Springfield Transfer Station tickets worth $247, a store video surveillance system worth $1,719, and 22 packs of cigarettes valued at $181. The safe was estimated to be worth $1,200, police said. On Sept. 30, Ludlow police discovered the empty safe at Proctor Piper State Forest in Cavendish. In the P & M Auto burglary, approximately $2,500 was reported to have been stolen, with damage to the building bringing the total loss to $5,348, police said. Police said a blue money pouch containing $900 and a safe which held $2,568 were taken by burglars after gaining entry into a building at Okemo Valley Golf Course through a basement door. A cash drawer was reported to have been stolen in the Black Rock Steakhouse burglary. In the Sam’s Steakhouse incident, $900 in tip money had been taken, police said. In the Wellwood Orchard burglary, police said $2,000 and rolled coins were reported missing. Police said video surveillance from several incidents posted by businesses on Facebook showed two men dressed in sweatshirts, masks, and gloves. Elliott was arrested by Springfield police on Dec. 16. During an interview with police, Elliott had “multiple opportunities to deny involvement in these burglaries but did not,” according to the affidavit of Springfield Detective Shaun Smith.