Wenham Man Faces Unarmed Robbery Charges in Cigarette Theft

A Wenham man for allegedly swiping two packs of cigarettes from behind the counter at a convenience store.

Paul Simon Maestranzi, 40, of 80 Larch Row allegedly entered the on Lafayette Street and reached behind the counter, grabbing two packs of Marlboro cigarettes. It happened at about 6:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Salem police said was charged with unarmed robbery, rather than shoplifting, since he allegedly made a fist “in a threatening manner” toward the clerk, according to the Salem police log.

After allegedly grabbing the two packs of cigarettes, Maestranzi fled the store. Dispatchers gave responding officers information about his physical description and he was quickly located and arrested, police said.