Crime & Safety

Former Whole Foods Supervisor Allegedly Lures Victim into Being Kidnapped, Cut and Robbed

The victim of a brief kidnapping, who suffered a superficial knife wound, was put in the situation because he trusted one of the perps — his former supervisor at the Dedham Whole Foods Market.

UPDATE, Monday, Oct. 1: Police are searching for another suspect in this case, Matthew Carey. Here is a link to his photo and the number to call if you have information.

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A man who put his trust in his former boss at Whole Foods Dedham was kidnapped, cut and robbed on Lamartine Street.

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According to police reports, the victim's former supervisor lured him into the situation by offering to pose as a middle man in the sale of the victim's cell phone. The men worked together for eight months and bonded by smoking pot together, the victim told police.

Here's what happened, according to police reports: The men met at Stop & Shop in Jackson Square on Saturday, Sept. 15 and walked down Centre to Lamartine. Then the trap was sprung.

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A vehicle pulled up alongside the men and someone grabbed the victim from behind, lifting him from off his feet. The man he'd trusted opened the back door as his alleged accomplice put the victim in the back seat.

Once in the vehicle, the victim found a knife to his throat. One of the men said to give up his belongings or he'd be killed. The victim, still struggling, suffered a superficial knife cut. He then stopped struggling and was robbed of two cell phones worth $400, his wallet and cash.

The robbers kept driving until they found a place to drop off their victim without being seen. They let him out at Amory and Dimock.

The victim was able to get a partial license plate.

Last Friday, investigators arrested Micheal J. Graffeo, of 21 Marjorie Road, Stoughton. He is the victim's former supervisor, or "team leader" as they are called in Whole Foods parlance. He was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery with a knife and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon.

Whole Foods Market said it would not comment on the case.

"Whole Foods Market has a policy not to comment on matters relating to current or former team members," Heather McCready of Whole Foods wrote in an email to JP Patch. "Because this is a serious matter involving the police, it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to be involved."

According to the police report, the victim said Graffeo had been fired from the job at the Dedham Whole Foods.

 


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