PD: Felon on Probation for Burglary Escapes Halfway House

A 22-year-old convicted felon serving the remainder of a 16-month sentence for burglary escaped a halfway house last week, according to Connecticut State Police.

On Nov. 23 at 9:55 a.m., Shawn M. Gracia, 22, of Liberty Street walked away from The Connection, according to a report by Troop F in Westbrook. 

Gracia was sentenced to 16 months in prison on May 10 for a third-degree burglary charge stemming from an Oct. 11, 2012, arrest by Connecticut State Police, Troop E in Montville. He was sentenced to five years in jail, suspended after 16 months, followed by two years of probation.

Police say Gracia left some time during the evening of Nov. 22 and never returned.

In Connecticut, a person who commits third-degree burglary either entered or remained unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime there, according to Connecticut State Statute and the penalty is one to five years in jail, up to a $5,000 fine, or both. 

When an individual on probation in Connecticut fails to follow conditions of release, a probation officer may order the offender back to court for a hearing. If the violation is proved true, the offender may return to jail.

Gracia's record includes several convictions for trespassing, probation violations, failures to appear and a larceny from a November 2011 arrest by state police.