Man arrested in connection with $240,000 theft from East Boston business – NBC Boston

Two men were arrested in connection with a robbery in East Boston on Friday, June 7.

Boston Police responded Saturday to a report of a break-in in progress inside 212 Waldemar Ave, where two men were using power tools to break into an apartment.

Officers arrested Timothy Deconinck, 55, of Malden, and William Cataldo, 59, of Saugus. Deconinck was found with a drill, drill bits and other tools.

More than a week ago, an East Boston man said he was robbed of nearly $250,000 Friday morning by two thieves who posed as police officers outside his business.

Arthur Rizzo, the owner of “The Check Place,” tells NBC10 Boston he was bringing a lot of cash for his check and money order business on Meridian Street when two men approached him, robbed him of his $240,000 $ and left in his black Audi.

Boston Police confirm they responded to a 911 call about a robbery in the 200 block of Meridian Street shortly after 9:30 a.m. A “be on the lookout” alert was issued for a vehicle wanted in connection with the flight. It was later found abandoned on Border Street and towed.

NBC10 Boston was first on the scene when investigators found the stolen car a block away. Detectives were also seen placing evidence markers near the crime scene. About a mile away, there was more evidence: a duffel bag believed to be linked to the crime.

Timothy Deconinck is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court on an outstanding arrest warrant that includes charges of armed robbery of a person over 65, carjacking and impersonation identity of a police officer.

He was also charged with possession of burglary tools, attempting to commit a felony, criminal damage to property, battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

Cataldo is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court on charges of possessing burglary tools, attempting to commit a felony, damaging property and resisting arrest.

Residents in the area were reacting to what happened Friday, with some now scared.

“I've seen a good multitude of things on a Friday morning, but this is definitely one of those weird things,” said Manuel Ramirez, who works in East Boston.

“They must have known this person was walking out of there with a significant amount of money,” said Jeremy Fischer-Block, who passes the neighborhood every day.

“This can happen to any of us,” said Gina Baltazar, who runs “Ria Money Transfer” next to “The Check Place.”

She also deals with people's money and the worries of her employees and customers, saying, “I'm afraid.”

Teresa, a liquor store owner, says she was robbed twice. This is why she had to install cameras and hire more people to protect herself.

“We have more security with the videos because they know we have them,” said the owner of Castillo Liquors.