I-Team: Man Accused Of Breaking Into Gov. Charlie Baker's House
SWAMPSCOTT (CBS) – The WBZ I-Team has learned a man is accused of breaking into Governor Charlie Baker's house last week. Baker's wife and daughter were home at the time.
Lane Forman is well known to police. While Governor Baker's security detail was parked in front of his Swampscott home, the Danvers man allegedly pulled into the driveway and opened an unlocked exterior door leading into the kitchen.
Police said the 59-year-old Forman left behind a letter addressed to Baker along with documents and photos.
It happened on Wednesday, October 7 at about 3:30 in the afternoon. Police said First Lady Lauren Baker and her daughter were at home at the time.
Troopers questioned Forman and asked what he was doing at the residence. According to the police report, Forman said, "Don't [expletive] with me, Charlie told me to drop this off."
Forman was arrested the next day and charged with breaking and entering. Police said he has a violent criminal history.
In the last few months, the governor's home has been the scene of several protests. Sources say in the wake of this last incident, security has been stepped up and additional surveillance cameras are being installed.
As for Forman, court records show he pleaded not guilty. He is being held on $5,000 cash bail and has been ordered to undergo a competency hearing. He's due back in court next month.
"We are still investigating the facts," Forman's attorney Stephen Reardon told WBZ-TV in a statement. "However, at this point it appears Mr. Forman was merely dropping off some innocuous documents and photographs that he thought would be of interest to the Governor and had no ill intent. We are confident when all the facts are presented in court this matter will be resolved."
In a statement, State Police said, "For security reasons the Massachusetts State Police do not release details about executive protection operations."