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
