Bristol County man accused of break-into area school, destruction of property

A Bristol County man was arrested late last week concerning a break-in at a school.

On Sunday September 18, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Rehoboth Police Department responded to the Palmer River Elementary School for the report of a burglar alarm activation.

Upon arrival, officers discovered an exterior window air conditioner that appeared to have been tampered with, as well as other indications there had been a break-in to the building. Officers conducted an immediate search of the interior, exterior, and surrounding areas; no suspect(s) were located.

The Rehoboth Police K-9 Unit responded along with K-9 Units from the Seekonk Police and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. The K9 Teams conducted an additional search of the interior of the school and school grounds; no suspects or threats were discovered.

Rehoboth Police Detectives responded to the scene and during the course of their investigation several items of evidence were recovered. All of the evidence recovered on scene was transferred and processed by the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Unit and the Massachusetts State Police Criminalistics Unit.

Rehoboth Police later met with school staff and assisted them in checking the building for missing items or other possible evidence. At the time, staff indicated nothing appeared missing or disturbed inside of the building.

During the course of the investigation a suspect was identified as 35-year-old Jacob Hunt, of Taunton. On Friday, Rehoboth Detectives successfully sought an arrest warrant for Hunt, and he was located that same day by Rehoboth Detectives in Taunton. He was taken into custody without incident.

Hunt was later processed at the Rehoboth Police Station and bail was set at $1,040. He was later transferred to the custody of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Hunt was arraigned Monday on the charges of Felony Breaking & Entering in a Building in the Daytime and Felony Destruction of Property over $1,200.