GLASTONBURY, Conn. — The Glastonbury Police Department said its officers are feeling a “mix of embarrassment and anger” in its first statement after the recent arrests of one of its former officers who is accused of burglarizing dozens of small businesses.
Patrick Hemingway, 37, is a former Glastonbury and New Britain police officer, who earlier this month faced a judge for allegedly breaking into several small businesses throughout the state.
Most of the alleged crimes were committed while Hemingway was a Glastonbury police officer. He resigned from the force on Sept. 1, 2023.
“We acknowledge the recent arrests of Mr. Hemingway and are aware that there may be additional arrests pending,” Glastonbury Police Chief Marshall S. Porter said in a statement issued Monday. “The Glastonbury Police staff feels a mix of embarrassment and anger, as it is disheartening to see someone who once wore our patch and worked alongside us blatantly betray the public's trust.”
According to an arrest warrant released last month, Hemingway allegedly targeted more than 30 businesses in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to steal money. Investigators said the alleged burglaries occurred between February 2023 and June 2023.
Investigators allege Hemingway wore a face mask and gloves and used lock-picking tools to break into the businesses. Another commonality in the burglaries was a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, which investigators determined was registered in his wife’s name.
The arrest warrant also alleges Hemingway logged into a police database at least 80 times over more than two years period to see if he was being investigated by other police departments.
Hemingway was charged with multiple burglary charges as well as a computer crime charge from two months ago. He is expected to be back in court in January.
In his statement on Monday, Porter said Hemingway’s actions stand in “stark contrast to the bravery, dedication, and hard work exhibited by the men and women” in his police department.
“Our officers have sworn an oath to safeguard and serve the Glastonbury community,” he said. “Through the years of unwavering dedication, they have diligently upheld this commitment, fostering positive and collaborative relationships.”
Porter thanked the people who reached out to his staff after Hemingway’s arrests.
Hemingway was also a New Britain police officer from August 2009 to January 2019. He transferred to the Glastonbury Police Department in January 2019.
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