By Jim Clark 

Police officers were dispatched to a Perkins St. residence last Thursday on reports of a felony breaking and entering.

Upon arrival, the officers spoke to the reporting party, the victim of the breaking and entering, who told them that when he came down to the basement to his laundry from the washer to the dryer, he noticed that approximately half of his laundry was missing.

He reportedly told police that he proceeded to look around the basement and noticed the suspect, later identified as James Mento, standing in the corner.

The victim asked Mento who he was and he reportedly stated, “I’m Jimmy. I am visiting the guy on the third floor.” The victim said he informed Mento that he was the tenant on the third floor.

Mento then reportedly made an advance toward the victim, putting him in fear and making him feel that he had to defend himself. He was able to push Mento away from him, and retreat.

According to the victim’s account, Mento ran out the door in an unknown direction.

While searching the area, police located two duffel bags, as well as drug paraphernalia and a hood that matched the victim’s description of Mento’s coat.

The officers also noticed several bags of Dunkin’ Donuts trash and napkins. Other officers notified the responding officers that they found a male matching Mento’s description at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Cambridge St. in Charlestown.

The responding officers drove the victim to the Dunkin’ Donuts, where he positively identified Mento as the intruder in his basement.

Mento was placed under arrest on a charge of felony daytime breaking and entering, and on warrant charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise and possession of a class C drug.

At the station, Mento was read his Miranda rights and he reportedly told police that he understood his rights and would be willing to talk with them.

According to reports, Mento stated that he met a woman at Sullivan Station and she told him about the basement that he could stay in. Mento reportedly told police that the woman stays there as well and he only knows her by her first name.

Mento reportedly said that he only went to the building that morning and that he didn’t break in, that he was only trespassing.

When asked if he has permission to be in the home, Mento reportedly admitted that he did not.