Attleboro police find stolen safe in Central Mass.
Whoever buried the safe that was stolen during the E.A. Dion Co. jewelry heist in Attleboro last June buried it deep. But not deep enough, Attleboro police said.
Officers used an excavator Thursday to dig 8 to 10 feet into the ground at a home in the Central Massachusetts town of Hubbardston and found the safe, which had been cut into 10 pieces, said Attleboro police Detective Richard Campion.
Police say thieves stole $2 million to $2.5 million in gold ingots, jewelry, and other items from E.A. Dion on June 8, including Super Bowl rings that were being prepared for the New York Giants. So far, four people are facing charges related to the case, including Sean D. Murphy of Lynn, who authorities believe to be the leader of a theft ring that moved up and down the East Coast, stealing jewelry and pharmaceuticals.
Police said in January that a search of a safe deposit box at a Saugus bank found 27 of the Super Bowl rings.
Campion said Attleboro police, assisted by State Police and the FBI, continued to investigate the case. Police have recovered - or believe they know how the thieves disposed of - $500,000 to $700,000 worth of their loot, he said. Police continue to search for the rest.
He said the owner of the home where the safe was found had actually helped to bury the safe but was now cooperating with officials. Campion had no comment on whether charges would be filed against the homeowner, saying the decision was up to the district attorney.
"We are still looking at potential leads that could result in further arrests," he said. "Every time we make a move in this case it opens up another door."
Murphy's lawyer, David Linsky of Natick, said his client "has pled not guilty and looks forward to his day in court."
