A 60-year-old man with no permanent address is facing more than a dozen charges following an investigation into a string of break-ins and thefts across Newport, police announced Monday.
Steven Kuntz was arraigned in Newport District Court on Dec. 1 on charges including breaking and entering into a residence, breaking and entering into a business, attempted breaking and entering, four counts of trespassing, six counts of larceny from a motor vehicle and possession of cocaine, according to the Newport Police Department.
The investigation began Nov. 30 when Traffic Investigator Detective Michael Sherman responded to a larceny report from a local business owner, police said. The victim reported two items valued at more than $1,600 were taken from in front of the business.
Sherman located Kuntz in the area along with the stolen items, police said. Additional items believed to be stolen were also recovered at that time.
When Kuntz was searched at the Newport Police Station, he was found to be in possession of cocaine, according to police.
Detectives Sherman, Walsh, Misturado and Lubin conducted a subsequent investigation that revealed Kuntz had broken into two residences, attempted to break into another residence and broke into numerous vehicles in the Newport area, police said. More than 60 stolen items were recovered, including an iPad and two EZ-passes.
“The Newport Police Department take these incidents very seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community,” Chief Duffy said.
Police said they are still working to identify owners of some of the recovered property. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who has noticed suspicious activity or believes they may have been a victim of theft is urged to contact Detective Lubin at 401-845-5735 or mlubin@newportri.gov.