Friday, June 11, 2010

Theft Ring Bust

As a result of a joint investigation by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police a major Theft Operation was uncovered. Nearly 40 victims were identified over at least 5 counties all over Eastern and Central Maine. The nearly 40 crime locations consisted of burglaries and/or thefts of a variety of items, some of these crimes had been reported and some had not. Working the case in Washington County as a result of a tip, 2 suspects have been identified. Mr. Randy Millay (DOB 6-18-1967) of Machiasport and Mr. Richard (Twitch) Merritt (DOB 6-17-1956) are both cooperating suspects. Mr. Merritt is being held at the Washington County Jail reference an unrelated charge. Mr. Millay was charged by the Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police for theft.

During the investigation a significant amount of stolen property from victims, in excess of 20,000$ in value, has been recovered so far. The property recovered included wood splitters, generators, outboards, tools, a boat, and other items. Some of the property has been returned to the owners.

The investigation remains ongoing and is expected to be linked to other similar crimes. To date burglary and thefts have been cleared from Northern Washington County all the way to Central Waldo County. It was found that property from Northern/Eastern Maine went back to the Central Maine area. Property from the Central Maine area went to the Northern/Eastern Maine area.

If anyone has information on these or related cases please call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 255-4422.

Sheriff Donnie Smith

Washington County SO

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Sex Offenders

Beginning June 1st 2010, in a ongoing effort to assure sex offender notification to the public, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will be notifying the towns of new registrants with the Sheriff’s Office. A letter will be written to the Board of Selectman of the registrants town advising them of the offender’s name and street address. For further information on sex offender registry please go to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office website @ www.wcsheriffsoffice.com, and click on Maine Sex Offender Registry.