Arrests to help with return of stolen Amazon packages

A multi-agency probe into a rash of fast food restaurant break-ins led to four arrests and the recovery of dozens of stolen Amazon packages that authorities are vowing to help deliver to Hub-area residents in time for Christmas, officials said yesterday.

Jason Geddes, 29, Dharol Joyner, 33, and Daniel Vo, 23, all of Boston, and Edward Nugent, 55, of Weymouth, were arrested for their involvement in a crime ring behind a series of break-ins at fast food restaurants in Quincy and Taunton, where cash boxes were smashed and safes were stolen, Attorney General Maura Healey announced yesterday.

“This investigation was the result of a strong partnership between the Attorney General’s Office, Boston Police Department, Brookline Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police,” Healey said in a statement. “Through these efforts, we’re able to stop these break-ins and send dozens of holiday gifts home to families where they belong.”

Geddes and Joyner pleaded not guilty at their arraignments Tuesday in Quincy District Court on charges stemming from a break-in at a Wendy’s restaurant in Quincy on Dec.

14. Bail for Geddes was set at $15,000. Joyner was held on $7,500 bail. Both are due back in court Jan. 16.

While searching Joyner’s home, Healey said investigators found dozens of unopened Amazon packages and boxes addressed to customers in Greater Boston that they believe Joyner stole while working as a part-time delivery contractor. Those packages, Healey said, will be returned to customers by this weekend.

Nugent pleaded not guilty Tuesday at his arraignment in Taunton District Court, where he faced charges related to a break-in at a Wendy’s restaurant on Nov.

26. He was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail and is due back in court Jan. 18.

Vo will be arraigned at a later date.

In addition to the packages, Healey said investigators also recovered a loaded gun, ammunition, pry bars, a crowbar, a sledgehammer and other burglarious tools, thousands of dollars in cash, ski masks, gloves and cellphones.

Police Commissioner William B. Evans applauded the arrests, saying, “Outcomes like this happen because of the strong relationships already in place with our local and state law enforcement partners.”