Third Waltham Man Arrested in Connection with Newton Home Invasion

Police have arrested a third Waltham man in connection with a West Newton home invasion that occurred in the early morning hours of Dec. 30. 

Melvin Jiminez, 27, appeared alongside Vincenzo Alonge and Richard Siciliano in  yesterday for a dangerousness hearing. That hearing was continued to later this afternoon.

According to the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office, Jiminez was arrested Dec. 30 on charges of armed burglary. He was arraigned Tuesday in Newton District Court and held pending the dangerousness hearing.  

 while Jiminez sat in a white Audi and acted as a lookout. 

Although police initially questioned Jiminez after the incident, he was not arrested right away. However, police said a red cell phone was later found at the apartment with a call history highlighting a "Big Melvin." The cell phone did not belong to any of the victims, police said.

Wednesday's hearing

Three Newton Police Officers testified during yesterday's hearing, each one giving his account of the Dec. 30 investigation and subsequent arrest of Alonge, Siciliano and Jiminez.

According to police, the victim came home to Harvey Place around 2 a.m. on Dec. 30 to find a chair under the bathroom window. The victim told police this was the method used on the night of Dec. 26 .

Assistant District Attorney Craig Estes said yesterday some statements indicate that Alonge was also involved with the Monday night robbery. However, no formal charges have been brought forward. 

During the Dec. 30 incident, police said the victim entered the home and heard people rummaging through rooms. He then left the apartment and called 911.

As he was leaving in his car, the victim told police one of the suspects pointed a silver handgun at him. The suspects, who were wearing masks, were seen leaving in a blue SUV. 

According to police, cruisers were dispatched to follow the blue SUV that was seen leaving Harvey Place. Siciliano (the driver) and Alonge were later pulled over and arrested on Arapahoe Road.

Police also recovered a silver handgun on Washington Street as well as a camouflage mask on Commonwealth Avenue. The DA's office brought forward photos of the gun and mask during yesterday's hearing.

Drug involvement

In court yesterday, Estes said Siciliano had joined Alonge in the burglary in order to wipe out a $3,000 drug debt.

Siciliano's lawyers painted a picture of a young man with a "serious drug dependency," and someone who did not understand the "full extent" of Friday morning's robbery. They argued his lack of criminal history and asked for a release with conditions including some form of drug treatment. 

As for Alonge, the DA's office said yesterday he has three open cases in Waltham District Court on charges of operating under the influence of drugs.

Police have said the incidents were not random and that the victims were targeted. During yesterday's hearing, Siciliano's lawyer said his client had purcahsed drugs from someone at that address before.

In addition, police say Alonge was intoxicated at the time of his arrest Friday morning and was found to be in possession several pills. 

While acknowledging the severity of the crime, Alonge's lawyers also argued the possibility of a parole program with drug screenings.

The three will be back in Newton District Court to continue the hearing today at 2 p.m.