Suspect with More than 100 Adult Arraignments Out on $500 Bail
Springfield, Mass. — Springfield Police Officers arrested 51-year-old John Larder Sunday morning on School Street on charges of; Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle, Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Larceny of Motor Vehicle Parts Over $1200, Possession of Burglarious Instruments an Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License. This was in connection with the theft of a catalytic converter. Four of those charges are Felonies. The misdemeanor charge (Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License) is the 5th time Larder has been arrested and charged with doing so since 2021.
Larder was arraigned in Springfield District Court Monday with a $500 bail set. On Wednesday August 24th Larder was bailed out from the Hampden County Correctional Facility in Ludlow.
Larder also has a history of skipping court dates, being arrested in Springfield alone on 36 Default Warrants since 2001.
“This is a prime example of our officers and Detectives doing their job, but when suspects who are repeat offenders are constantly released on low bail, they are prone to commit more crimes while they are waiting for their case to be adjudicated. That’s if this suspect even shows up to court. One thing Judges and Clerks can look at when setting bail is your history of appearing in court. To me 36 Default Warrants would be a reason to set a little higher bail than $500. In these crimes there are victims and our residents don’t deserve to continue to be victimized by the same individuals over and over again,” said Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Over 100 adult arraignments and once again out on bail for only $500. I wish I could say that I am surprised but once again our court system is sending a message to our residents and businesses that the criminal has more considerations then the victims. This individual is beyond being a repeat criminal offender! I have no doubts that our brave and dedicated men and women in Blue will once again do their job and will probably arrest this individual again, it’s only a matter of time with this track record, after they have damaged and stolen even more property from my residents and businesses. I will not stand for this, I will continue to fight for my Springfield residents and businesses on these public safety and quality of life issues. Our courts and state laws must change and be better. We cannot keep this revolving door of career criminals stealing and hurt our residents and businesses. Something has to change. Once again, I will continue to fight through my bail reform legislation filed by state Representative Angelo Puppolo and I will continue to support Governor Baker’s Dangerousness legislation.”
Larder now has 104 adult arraignments. His next court date is scheduled for September 19th.
