Nelson Wilson

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Police Department announced in a press conference held Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 15, officers had arrested an occupant of the Rumford Motor Inn on Newport Avenue for alleged various crimes, including possession of stolen property, illegal narcotics and illegal possession of a firearm.

Police claim Nelson Wilson, 37, is in part responsible for the theft of some 200 items found in a room at the inn, which has long been the bane of neighborhood residents.

Wilson was found to be in possession of such items as social security and credit cards, jewelry, computers, musical instruments, luxury goods, power tools and other types construction/maintenance equipment.

Most importantly, Wilson, who told police he resided in Providence though law enforcement could not find a permanent address, had a handgun, ammunition and 15 grams of cocaine.

Wilson was arraigned and is currently being held at the Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston.

Police said the investigation, which began upon the report of numerous residential and vehicle thefts as of November 12, is continuing and could yield more arrests of suspects for their possible involvement in a series of robberies in East Providence and the surrounding area over the last month. 

It was determined Wilson had been staying in a motel  in nearby Attleboro, Mass., in recent weeks as well. EPPD Chief Christopher Francesconi said most of the robberies could have been avoided if owners locked their cars.

Wilson, who has a prior record, faces the following charges: 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. Police said more charges could be forthcoming.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Bob DaSilva said the city is encouraging the owners of the Rumford Motor Inn to seek other uses of the property rather than a motel. The hope is the owners will either sell the property for commercial use of convert the building into longer term residential apartments.

Police are urging area residents who may have been a victim of the thefts to  401-435-7600 to identify their property.