Boston residents accused of stealing, redistributing accessible parking placards

Boston detectives have arrested two people in connection with a series of accessible parking placard thefts that occurred throughout Brighton this year.

The 19 reports of theft prompted an extensive investigation and resulted in the arrests of Andrea Doucette-Keating, 55, and Zachary Shelton, 37, both of Brighton, according to a Boston Police Department statement.

On Aug. 21, Doucette-Keating was arrested and later arraigned in Brighton District Court for breaking and entering a motor vehicle (nighttime), malicious damage to a motor vehicle, larceny from a motor vehicle and possession of burglarious tools.

Shelton was arrested and is expected to be arraigned in Brighton District Court for larceny less than $250 from a person over 60, stealing a handicap placard, breaking and entering a motor vehicle (nighttime, felony), possession of burglarious tools (window punch) and malicious destruction of a motor vehicle, police said.

The three key placard thefts for detectives took place on June 30 at 82 Glenville Ave. and on Aug. 14 at both 95 Washington St. and 34 Fidelis Way.

Evidence from these incidents helped investigators identify Doucette-Keating as a suspect, police said. Further investigation led them to believe that he was the primary thief and Shelton was the organizer, supplier of tools and distributor of stolen placards.

A search warrant was then executed for Shelton’s residence at 1662 Commonwealth Ave., on Sept. 4 at around 11:10 a.m., the statement reads. Officials found multiple stolen accessible parking placards, a window punch, cocaine and a Glock style BB gun with the safety tip removed.

Detectives are in the process of executing a second search warrant on Shelton’s vehicle where another stolen placard was seen hanging inside.

In Massachusetts misusing a stolen or fraudulent accessible parking placard can result in “serious consequences,” according to the statement. Those found guilty of illegally using or displaying a stolen placard, can face substantial fines, possible suspension of driving privileges and criminal charges that could result in jail time.

“Fraudulently using a placard not only undermines accessibility for those in genuine need, but it also constitutes a violation of Massachusetts law,“ Boston police explained. ”Residents who suspect [an accessible parking] placard may be fake or misused are encouraged to report it.”

Real placards are issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and display unique serial numbers and expiration dates.

If a placard appears altered, expired or is being used by someone other than the rightful owner, it could be fraudulent.