This article is reproduced without permission under the fair use doctrine. Originally published online at http://www2.townonline.com/saugus/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=218316
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Police are cautioning residents not to open their doors to strangers after three travelling salesmen were picked up in town last week and charged with aggravated sexual assault on a New Hampshire woman.
Police Lt. Michael Annese said officers went to the Days Inn on Route 1 around 4:30 a.m. on March 29 after the Concord, N.H. Police Department called to ask if they could check on three men considered suspects in the rape of a young Concord woman the previous day.
When officers arrived at the Days Inn, they knocked on the suspects' door and were invited in, Annese said. They observed three males in the room and were told they worked for Fidelity Readers, a company that hires people to go door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions around the country.
While in the hotel room, Annese said the officers spotted a number of weapons in plain view, including a crossbow, nunchuks and illegal butterfly knives. They also found drug paraphernalia and arrested the suspects on drug charges and alleged possession of dangerous weapons.
Annese said further communications with the Concord Police Department led to information that gave investigating officers the help they needed to issue arrest warrants of aggravated felonious sexual assault for the three suspects, Joseph Haniffy, 24, of Chicopee, Mass; Christopher Armstrong, 23, of Jonesboro, Ark.; and Cassidy Coburn, 19, of Monroe, Utah.
However, the suspects posted bail and fled town before they could be arraigned, Annese said.
"They were bailed out and took off," Annese said.
Annese said an all points bulletin was put out to police departments up and down the coast after the suspects failed to show up at their scheduled arraignment at Lynn District Court on March 29. The manhunt ended on April 1, when Maryland police called to report they had the three suspects in custody.
Annese said the suspects have since been arrested and charged with aggravated felonious sexual assault stemming from the alleged rape in New Hampshire. They are also facing drug and weapons charges based on what police observed at the Days Inn.
Annese credited the Police Department, particularly Det. James Donovan, for working closely with Concord officers to apprehend the suspects.
"It's another example of good police work by our guys," Annese said.
With the arrival of good weather there is always an increase in door-to-door solicitations this time of year, Annese said. He urged residents to never allow someone they don't know into their homes.
"Please be careful with these magazine salesmen," Annese said. "They will say they represent local schools, charities and other interest groups, but their intentions may not be what they appear."
Should a solicitor leave your front door and you feel suspect of their intentions, Annese said it's important to call the Police Department so officers can check them for verification of permits and identification.
Good to know
If residents are concerned or see anything suspicious, can call 781-941-1199 for police assistance or Lt. Michael Annese directly at 781-941-1160 for more information on the matter.
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Revision r1.1 - 14 Apr 2005 - 02:25 by EliMantel
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