Bail denied for Washington County gun heist suspect
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One of five suspects connected to the burglary of a Kingsbury gun shop appeared before a judge on Thursday.
NewsChannel 13 was the only TV station with a camera in court.
Martin Taft, 47, of Salem, told the judge he wanted to go home to his kids. However, Judge Kelly McKeighan wouldn’t allow it – especially after the prosecutor read a list of Taft’s long criminal record. Over the course of his lifetime, Taft has been convicted of three felonies, and two misdemeanors. He has failed to show up for court twice.
The prosecutor also pointed out Taft allegedly tried to hide evidence connected to the Calamity Jane’s firearms heist last week.
Taft’s lawyer, Frederick Rench, argues his client’s wife recently died. Rench also says Taft was injured in a work-related accident about a year ago, is incapacitated, and would show up for court.
As a predicate felon, Taft faces a possibility of life in prison if he’s convicted of weapons possession and burglary charges.