EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
Merrimack Valley
NH man steals car, arrested trying to sell it back
Published: November 16, 2008
LAWRENCE — A Nashua, N.H., man was arrested Friday afternoon for stealing a vehicle and then attempting to sell it back to the owner for $250.
Jesse Masa, 37, of 1 Clinton St., was arrested at 4 p.m. outside White Hen Pantry on Haverhill Street. He was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and extortion by threat of property damage.
Police had been investigating the theft of a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am in which the victim's father had been receiving phone calls from an unknown man named Jesse, who stated that he would give the car back for $250, according to police reports.
After speaking with Lawrence police Lt. James Fitzpatrick, the victim's father set up a meeting with Masa at White Hen Pantry, and he was to bring the money in exchange for the vehicle.
Police set up surveillance at the location before Masa pulled up across the street in the stolen vehicle. Masa exited the vehicle, according to police reports, and put a cell phone up to his ear.
Police then approached Masa, identified themselves, and arrested him.
"It's pretty bold of this guy to think he could try to sell a person's car back to them," Deputy Police Chief Michael Driscoll said.
