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CNN Live At Daybreak

Richard Ricci Arrested For Burglary, Theft

Aired July 12, 2002 - 06:31   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Now to Salt Lake City, where an attorney for Richard Ricci says his client is sending his sincerest apologies to the families of missing 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart. But the attorney maintains Ricci was not involved in her abduction. Ricci is at the focus of the investigation, but is still not being called a suspect.

CNN's Mark Potter has more from Salt Lake City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARK POTTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Richard Ricci, shown at his wedding last February, is charged with burglary and theft, and is accused of being a habitual criminal. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Ricci is already jailed for alleged parole violations.

The new charges are unrelated to the abduction of Elizabeth Smart, but because Ricci is still the primary focus of that investigation, details of the burglary and theft cases are of interest to authorities.

Ricci is charged with stealing from the Smart home in June of last year, when he worked as a handyman. He is accused of taking jewelry and other items worth about $3,500. He is also accused of breaking into this house in the same neighborhood, at night, with the occupants asleep inside. Police allege Ricci stole jewelry and cash. Authorities say burglary may be one of the possible explanations for the kidnapping of 14-year-old Elizabeth.

CHIEF RICK DINSE, SALT LAKE CITY POLICE: Primarily, we are looking at somebody who had access to the house, knew the house, or saw -- had availability to the house to know how to get in and get around in there. We are also looking at the possibility it could have been a burglary that went awry.

POTTER: Ricci denies any involvement in the abduction, and has reportedly confessed to the thefts.

DAVID SMITH, RICCI'S ATTORNEY: The charges are for conduct that occurred well over a year ago, and have nothing to do whatsoever with the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart. That said, Mr. Ricci would like to have me convey to the Smart family his sincerest apologies, and he, like you, prays for Elizabeth's safe return. POTTER: But investigators are still examining Ricci's activities around the time of the kidnapping. Authorities say they believe he is withholding important information, particularly about his Jeep, which an auto shop owner says Ricci brought in three days after the kidnapping. He then reportedly removed several items, including the seat covers. Sources say Ricci denies any involvement with the Jeep then, a discrepancy that intrigues investigators.

(on camera): Authorities say their primary goal is still to find Elizabeth Smart, but they have no credible leads. Sources also say a quick end to the abduction investigation is unlikely, unless they suddenly get a break, which allows them to finally make an arrest.

Mark Potter, CNN, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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