By Jim Clark

Police received reports of a stolen credit card and U.S Passport last week. The victim reported his credit card and passport missing from his room at Sydney St. location. The victim also reported that his credit card was used at multiple locations throughout the city.

The victim was able to provide a list of locations where his card was used, furnished by his bank.

An investigating officer spoke with the manager of the Speedway gas station on McGrath Hwy., who immediately pulled video footage of the illegal transaction of $205.72.

Police quickly identified the suspect as Michael Shippee The manager provided the officer with still photos of the transaction, along with a copy of the video.

The next location was the Stop and Shop on McGrath Hwy. The credit card in question was charged $65.27 at this location. The officer spoke to the store manager in regards to obtaining video footage of the transaction. The manager the officer that he would need to make a formal request to their security company.

The third location was a convenience store located on Mystic Ave. A store employee provided video footage of Shippee once again allegedly using the same stolen credit card to purchase groceries and cigarettes.

Shippee conducted two separate transactions on this occasion, the first for $36 and the second for $107.50. Shippee at some point on the same day used the credit card at the K2 Beer and Wine shop on Medford St. The total charged at this location was $661.67, and was done by two separate transactions on the same visit.

An additional victim in this case is the M and M Convenience store on Main St. in Somerville. Shippee was reportedly able to charge $420 worth of cigarettes on the card with the assistance of the stolen U.S. Passport.

The last store on Shippee’s shopping spree was the Broadway Market on Broadway, where he successfully charged an additional $321 in cigarettes.

After leaving the Broadway Market, the officer was informed by another officer that he would be able to contact Shippee if that was something he would like him to do. The officer explained everything that was going on, and advised him to place a call to Shippee to see if he would like to talk.

Moments later the officer was informed that Shippee was very willing to talk, and he would meet the officers at the police station.

While at the station waiting for Shippee, the assisting officer sent him a text asking where he was? Shippee in turn called the officer back and explained that he was at the Rite Aid on Broadway in Somerville. An offer was made to pick Shippee up due to it raining at the time. Shippee accepted the offer, and the officers proceeded to the Rite Aid.

Upon arrival, Shippee approached the officers he was asked if they could escort him to the police station to have a conversation in regards to the credit card use.

Once at the station, the officers escorted Shippee to an audio and video recording room. After the recording system was activated, Shippee was read his rights pursuant to Miranda. Shippee reportedly acknowledged that he understood and signed a form to that effect.

The investigating officer then asked Shippee if he knew why he wanted to talk to him. He reportedly replied, “The credit card.”

The officer explained to Shippee how he became involved in the case, and would like to hear his side of the story. Shippee reportedly admitted, on video, that he was responsible for the charges to the credit card at all of the locations.

Shippee at no point denied using the card, and in fact wanted to pay restitution. After a brief interview, Shippee explained that he obtained the U.S. Passport first, and that is what gave him the idea of taking the credit card.

He reportedly explained that the passport was located in the common bathroom of their rooming house when he took it. The credit card was taken next, while it sat on the kitchen table.

Shippee was asked why he did what he did, and reportedly replied, “Because he owes me money.”

Shippee discarded the credit card after it was declined at the Stop and Shop, but not before it was used successfully.

Shippee was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with larceny from a building, larceny under $1200, receiving a stolen credit card, identity fraud, forgery of document, and improper use of credit card under $1200.