SALEM — Two men, including a student from Rivier University, were arrested on April 1 in connection with a violent robbery that resulted in the theft of over $100,000 from a local store manager in Salem.
The incident occurred on the evening of February 26, when the store manager was conducting business with three individuals.
Two of the suspects brandished firearms and held the victim at gunpoint while the third accomplice tied him up.
The manager was assaulted and robbed of personal belongings, a large quantity of merchandise, and cash.
Detective James Carlin, who spearheaded the investigation, processed the crime scene and reviewed surveillance footage from surrounding businesses.
This led to the identification of two suspect vehicles.
Extensive analysis of cell phone data resulted in the identification of two suspects, one of whom was confirmed to be a Rivier University student.
Carlin’s efforts to reconstruct the suspects’ movements before and after the robbery played a crucial role in piecing together the case.
Sufficient evidence was gathered to issue arrest warrants for the suspects.
On April 1, the Nashua Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS) conducted separate arrests based on the Salem Police Department warrants.
Firearms were seized from both suspects during their arrests.
Salem Police took custody of Jose Perlera, 20, of Lunenburg, MA, following his arrest by Nashua Police.
In addition, a search warrant was executed on Perlera’s dormitory room at Rivier University.
Kervin Maitre, 19, of Salem, MA, was arrested by MASP VFAS and is currently being held as a Fugitive from Justice.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the involvement of the third suspect and recover the stolen items.
