Richard Arsenault, accused screen cutter, arrest possible with 'right tip at the right time'

Richard JosephArsenault, theman arrested Tuesday and accused of a string ofbreak-ins, is a former mixed martial arts fighter and also hasa criminal record.

P.E.I.RCMP said more charges are likely as they review multiple unsolved break-ins in Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall, following the arrest offormer MMA fighter Richard Arsenault.

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In a news release, police credited "the right tip at the right time" for making the arrest possible, but did not provide details.

Arsenault, 38 of Traveller's Rest, P.E.I., was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning. He was charged with 10 criminal counts in connection with break-and-enters toresidential homes in the Stratford, Cornwall and Charlottetown areas over the past year.

In someincidents, homeowners reportedscreens on windows had been cut, including some from the upper storeys of homes.

Stole mostly money, say police

"He's gained some notoriety because of his exploits over the last couple of years," said Charlottetown Deputy Police ChiefBrad MacConnell.

"It's my opinion this man is nothing but a thief who stole children's piggy banks and robbed them of their peace of mind and we're happy he's in custody."

Police displayed a broken piggy bank at a news conference.

Police believe Arsenaultmostly stole money, and when he was arrested he had "break-in tools" in his possession including gloves, a screwdriver and flashlight.

'Kept our communities on edge'

"He has a lengthy criminal record and has kept our communities on edge at best and violated at its worst,"said Sgt. Leanne Butler of P.E.I. RCMP.

Police saythey will be in touch with victims in regards to recovered cash in the days to come.

Criminal past

In 2010 Arsenaultwas sentenced to two years in prison, after being found guilty of abreak-and-enterin Charlottetown.

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Following his release, he launched his business and has contributed to community work in the Summerside area.

'I love my husband and I stand by him'

A phone call to Arsenault's business Island Impact Mixed Martial Arts in Summerside was answered today by a woman who identified herself as his wife.

"I love my husband and I stand by him," she said.

The woman declined to comment on the charges.

A post to the gym's Facebook page stated it will be closed until further notice.

"As you've heard we are dealing with a difficult situation," it reads. "Thank you to each of you who have sent me a message of support, it is truly appreciated."

Arsenaulthas consented to remain in custody until a show-cause hearing can be held.

That show-cause hearing is slated for Thursday.

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