Waterford's Most Wanted—How Police Are Using Facebook To Catch Suspects

For centuries, if law enforcement sought to catch a criminal they'd hang "Most Wanted" posters in local police departments and post offices. But times have changed and technology with it, and now local police departments are turning to social media to help them identify and apprehend elusive suspects.  

Waterford Police Department has been using its Facebook page to post pictures of suspects and ask for the public's assistance in solving crimes for some time now, and with much success.

On October 25, Waterford Police Lt. Brett Mahoney, who runs the department's Facebook page, decided to take it a step further and post photos of "Waterford's Most Wanted" as a regular feature. All of the suspects are people for whom there are active arrest warrants. 

The person with the dubious distinction of being posted first as "Waterford's Most Wanted" was Chassa Ladson, born 1991, described as a black female, 5'04" tall, approximately 200 pounds. There's an active arrest warrant for C.G.S. 53a-172 Failure to Appear 1st Degree (PRAWN Warrant) with an original charge of Larceny 1st Degree (Felony). Waterford Police believe her to be in the Groton/New London area.  

The second was Jared Hastings, born 1991, 5'08" tall, weighing 165 pounds, of 57 Myrock Ave, Waterford.

"Mr Hastings has SIX arrest warrants from various police agencies in New London County, to include 2 from Waterford Police, 3 from New London Police and 1 from The Connecticut State Police. All the warrants are for C.G.S. 53a-173 Failure To Appear (PRAWN) with a total bond of $100,000 C/S. We know he's in the New London/Waterford area," police posted on Facebook. 

As of November 1, Waterford Police had posted photos of about eight Most Wanted suspects. One of the more recent:

"Michael Douton, born 1976, he may be in the North Stonington, Oakdale and New London area posing as a home improvement contractor. Wanted for the charges of Failure to Appear, Forgery, Identity Theft, Larceny, Contractor Fraud, Criminal Impersonation, Interfering with Police These warrants are out of Waterford Police, Norwich Police, Clinton Police and State Police Troop E."

You can find the full lineup on the Waterford Police Department's Facebook page. 
Anyone with any information is asked to please call Waterford Police Department at (860) 442-9451.