Alleged Thief's Bail Reduction Request Denied

An alleged storm drain thief lost his bail reduction bid last week after the judge poked a hole in his claim that he was living with his wife.

Originally, on Dec. 8, Michael Feudo, 38, of 78 Atlantic St., Winthrop, was ordered held on $6,000 bail after pleading innocent to stealing 10 storm drain grates and manhole covers from Swampscott streets.

Feudo is also charged with stealing covers in Revere.

On Friday, Salem Superior Court Judge Timothy Feeley denied Feudo’s request for a reduction of the bail after he asked the defendant’s lawyer if Feudo was, as he claimed, living with his wife — in violation of a restraining order — or misleading the court, The Salem News reported on Saturday.

Feudo’s lawyer consulted with his client, then told the judge that Feudo said he was staying with his brother-in-law, the newspaper reported.

The judge denied the bail change and ordered Feudo to return to court on Jan. 13, the report states.

Feudo allegedly hauled away 150-pound covers from Swampscott's Fuller Ave, Pine Hill Road, Beverly Road, Shelton Road, Bradlee Ave, Phillips Ave and Harrison Ave. in the early morning hours Nov. 3,

The gaping holes put motorists and pedestrians at risk.

Thieves take storm drain covers and sell them for their metal value, Det. Tom Cassidy said earlier.