A man believed to have stolen over $100,000 worth of jewelry from five houses while he worked as a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning technician was arrested by East Hampton Town Police on Wednesday.
Christopher G. Fitzgerald, 39, of Barracuda Road in East Quogue was taken into custody by detectives Wednesday morning in Wainscott and charged with five counts of grand larceny in the third degree.
He had been working in East Hampton between April and December, and sold many of the stolen pieces to pawn shops at only a fraction of their value, according to police.
"We were able to piece together that jewelry was missing when he was the ticketed HVAC technician at the homes," said Detective Sgt. Daniel Toia. Mr. Fitzgerald stole assorted jewelry -- earrings, necklaces, and rings -- according to the detective.
Because the investigation is ongoing, East Hampton Town police did not disclose how the East Quogue resident was discovered in Wainscott.
Mr. Fitzgerald was arraigned this morning at East Hampton Justice Court. As East Hampton detectives continue to work with Southampton Town, Sag Harbor Village, and Suffolk County Police Departments, they ask that anyone with information contact them at 631-537-7575.