Waterford – A part-time kennel cleaner for the New London animal shelter was charged by police today with stealing donated gift cards from the municipal animal shelter in Waterford.

Carl Adams, 25, of 177 Jefferson Ave., Apt. No. 2, New London, was charged with second-degree larceny and third-degree burglary. Police said Adams was seen stealing the cards today on videotape. The camera surveillance was set up at the Waterford shelter following another theft there a few months ago. Details about the value of the cards and the prior theft were not available today.

Adams had access to the Waterford shelter because New London is using the facility while the city's shelter is being rebuilt. He was not allowed access to the locked office where the gift cards were kept, however, police said.

Robert Yuckniuk, animal control officer for Waterford and East Lyme, arrested Adams at his home without incident. Adams is being held on a $1,000 bond, police said. He is slated to appear in New London Superior Court on Thursday.

While one of the gift cards has been recovered, the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Yuchniuk at (860) 442-9451 or ryuchniuk@waterfordct.org.