Crime & Safety

Thief Caught Stealing Donations From Waterford's Animal Shelter

The suspect, who was caught on tape, was employed by the city of New London to clean the kennels. New London is currently sharing use of the Waterford-East Lyme Animal Shelter while the city's facility is being rebuilt.

A few months back, Waterford/East Lyme Animal Control Officer Robert Yuchniuk noticed that something had been stolen from the animal shelter. Thinking that the thief might try it again, Yuchniuk set up video equipment to try to catch the person. 

On New Year's Day, his trap caught a suspect. Carl Adams, a part time kennel cleaner for the City of New London, was seen on videotape stealing gift cards that had been donated to the shelter from inside a locked office in the Animal Control facility.

New London is currently sharing use of the Waterford facility while the city's animal shelter is being rebuilt, but Waterford Police say though Adams had access to clean the kennels under this arrangement, he was not permitted to be in the office.   

Yuchniuk arrested Adams, 24, at his home at 177 Jefferson Avenue, Apartment 2, in New London on January 1 without incident. Adams was charged with larceny second degree (theft from a municipality) and burglary third degree. He was held on a $1,000 bond. 

Waterford Police say the case is still under investigation, as only one of the cards has been recovered. If you have any information regarding this case please contact Officer Yuchniuk at ryuchniuk@waterfordct.org, or 860-442-9451.


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