Man arrested for alleged role in string of East Providence robberies

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A month-long spree of break-ins and robberies have come to an end in East Providence.

The East Providence Police Department held a press conference Wednesday afternoon discussing what they discovered after nearly 200 stolen items from homes across Rhode Island were recovered.

The suspect, 37-year-old Nelson Wilson was arraigned earlier this week and is currently being held at the Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston.

The East Providence Police Department shared this booking photo of 37-year-old Nelson Wilson.

Wilson is facing charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of larceny, eight counts of tampering with a vehicle, two counts of breaking and entering and more charges are expected to come.

Police said Wilson had violated terms of his parole stemming from previous arrests for breaking and entering.

Wilson was arrested on Sunday at the Rumford Motor Inn, a location police said has been a problem for the city in the past.

“During that search, approximately 200 items were seized from the room, including wallets, purses, clothing, backpacks, jewelry, tools, keys, laptops, credit cards and  social security cards. This by no means is an all inclusive list, also seized was a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun and approximately 15 grams of cocaine,” East Providence’s Chief of Police, Christopher Francesconi said in a press conference.

Police told ABC 6 News that Wilson originally told them he was from Providence but officials believe he had no permanent address.

East Providence’s Mayor, Robert DaSilva, said he’s met with the owners of the Rumford Motor Inn since the arrest and has spoken with them about changing the property from a motel into something new, such as apartments or residential housing.

Anyone who believes any of the items seized by police belong to them should reach out to the East Providence Police Department with a description of the items they’re missing and a time can be set up for them to come in and claim them.

Police also believe there may be more suspects involved in the case but as of Wednesday, Wilson is the only named suspect and only half of the items in police possession have been matched to an owner.