On October 19th, 2015 William Nelson, 47 YOA of Burlington voluntarily appeared in Vermont Superior Court – Criminal Division pursuant to his Arrest Warrant for Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.
Nelson was identified as the person responsible for a rash of residential burglaries centered in the area of King Street, Pine Street, Maple Street and the surrounding areas of Burlington spanning from May through September of 2015. This investigation was successful in large part because of the cooperation and engagement between the affected neighborhood and the police department. Detectives gathered evidence through interviews and search warrants which lead to the issuance of Nelson’s Arrest Warrant.
The investigation continues to progress at this time and additional charges related to other burglaries in the area are possible. At this time, Nelson has been charged with Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property. Nelson was released on pre trail conditions of release; most notable a 24 hour curfew condition at an address in Franklin County. Nelson’s pre trail conditions of release do allow him to return to his South Champlain St. apartment on October 21st, 2015 to collect his personal belongings.
Burglary is punishable by imprisonment up to 25 years, fines up to $ 1,000.00, or both. Each count of Possession of Stolen Property is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, fines up to 1,000 or both.
Nelson has an extensive criminal record which includes; 14 prior felony charges resulting in 11 felony convictions and 25 total misdemeanor charges resulting in 13 misdemeanor convictions. Of these charges, Nelson has been charged and convicted of two assaultive crimes and convicted of nine additional violations of parole or probation. It is of note that Nelson was under the supervision of the Department of Corrections stemming from convictions for False Information to Police, Possession of Stolen Property (Felony), Burglary, and Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order (4 counts) at the time of his most recent criminal conduct.
The Burlington Police were assisted by the United States Marshal Service as part of this investigation as Nelson took active steps to evade capture following the September 23rd search of his Burlington apartment.
