Arrest quickly made for antique jewelry heist

LACONIA — A city man was ordered held on $50,000 cash-only bail for receiving stolen property after the Center Harbor police chief arrested him with about $30,000 in jewelry allegedly stolen from Paws Antiques & Collectibles on September 19.

Police from Center Harbor, Meredith and Laconia were able to make the arrest after responding to a domestic disturbance in Meredith that was allegedly triggered by an argument that ensued between James Spanos, 48, of 15 Lakeview Drive and a woman at Vacation Escape.

Affidavits submitted by Meredith Police to the 4th District Court, Laconia Division yesterday said that police went to the cabin colony at 9:15 p.m. Friday.

They said the woman had threatened to call the police after she heard about the theft from Paws Antiques, which is less .2 of a mile away from Vacation Escape but in Laconia, and wanted to know more about .22-carat gold ring she had seen him wearing.

She told police he refused to explain the ring and she ran to the cabin colony's front desk to report what she thought was the theft. Police said Spanos tried to stop her from reporting it, but when she continued to the office he packed his belongings and left the rented room.

Meredith Police secured the room and sent Spanos's description to other police departments. Police also said there was an electronic bench warrant from district court for failing to appear on a previous drug charge.

Center Harbor Police Chief Mark Chase made the first contact with Spanos who he said initially gave him a false name and told him he didn't have any identification.

Chase said Spanos was wearing sheathed knife on his belt and said he secured it before checking him for additional weapons. During the pat down for additional weapons, Chase allegedly found a second knife and a bag filled with "a number of high-end rings and other jewelry."

He was initially arrested by Chase for the bench warrant and brought the the Meredith Police Department.

The owner of Paws Antiques identified the jewelry and Spanos was charged with one felony count of receiving stolen property.

Meredith Police said Spanos has an "extensive criminal record" with convictions in Florida, New York and New Hampshire. In arguing for $50,000 cash bail, Lt. Prosecutor Keith True argued he list his employment at self-employed and owns no property in New Hampshire.

Laconia Police said Paws Antiques was burgled Tuesday night and the burglary was reported to them Wednesday morning.