Lynn Man Admits to Stealing $9,000 in Cancer Medication

A Lynn man was arrested at the Wednesday afternoon after allegedly stealing a FedEx box with more than $9,000 worth of chemotherapy medication in it from a New Ocean Street porch.

Robert Heres, 31, of 7 Phillips Ave., Lynn, pleaded innocent Thursday in Lynn District Court to charges of larceny over $250 and larceny of a drug.

According to a police report filed by Patrolman Michael Serino, at 4:14 p.m., local officers responded to New Ocean Street after it was reported that a suspicious man had just stolen a FedEx box off a front porch.

A witness told police that he watched Heres open the delivery box and put the contents under his sweatshirt. While reporting the crime to police, the witness reportedly followed Heres to the Swampscott Public Library and waited for officers to arrive.

Responding officers were able to locate Heres inside the library and he was found to be in possession of an empty FedEx box, according to the report.

When questioned by police, Heres admitted to stealing the box and a vile of 45 400 mg Gleevec pills, a chemotherapy drug, were found in his sweatshirt pocket, according to court documents.

Gleevec is used to treat various types of tumors or cancers and a pharmacist told police the cost of the 45 Gleevec pills was approximately $9,995.

Heres was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Middleton to await his hearing.

Judge Albert Conlon ordered Heres held on $1,000 cash, $10,000 personal surety and on the condition that he stay away from and have no contact with the alleged victim.

Heres had not posted bail as of Tuesday afternoon.

He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 10 for a pretrial hearing.