Harvard Police Arrest Man Accused of Trying to Steal Computers

After an all-day stakeout, the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) arrested a man last week for attempting to fraudulently purchase $12,000 in computers from University Information Services (UIS).

Detectives arrested Todd Cress, 31, of North Point Road in Boston and charged him with larceny over $250, improper use of a credit card over $250 and identity theft.

HUPD became involved in the case two weeks ago, when a UIS employee reported someone had tried to pick up three laptop computers and one desktop computer valued in excess of $12,000 that he had ordered using a credit card. The man could not produce proper identification, and fled when the desk clerk turned his back, the caller reported.

Police traced the credit card used in the purchase and discovered it had been reported stolen from Morgan Hall at the Harvard Business School on Oct 5., the day before the crime. As a result, they were on guard when a second attempt was made to pick up the computers.

Just after noon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, HUPD detectives discovered that arrangements had been made for a courier to pick up the computers and transport them to the Marriott Residence Inn in Cambridge Center.

HUPD detectives, including Sergeant Richard A. Mederos, and detectives Paul Westlund, Robert Sweetland and David Burns joined Cambridge Police detectives in staking out the Residence Inn.

Cress approached the desk, requested and signed for the computers. When HUPD detectives approached him and identified themselves, he fled from the Inn. After a brief foot pursuit, the individual stopped and was taken into custody.

HUPD spokesperson Peggy A. McNamara said police could not release Cress' prior criminal record but said he is "well-known to other law enforcement agencies."

An investigation continues regarding the case and additional charges may be forthcoming, McNamara said.