Police have arrested two Augusta residents following a lengthy investigation into a string of burglaries in Lincoln and Kennebec Counties.
According to the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, Sarah M. Vitale, 27, and Luke J. Greenlaw, 36, of Deer Ridge Run, Augusta were detained outside the Timeless Treasures Pawn Shop on Water Street in Hallowell after they were discovered with stolen property in their possession.
The arrests follow a KCSO investigation into more than 20 burglaries in Kennebec County. On Sept. 13, deputies developed a lead and conducted surveillance as Vitale and Greenlaw attempted to pawn jewelry at the Timeless Treasures Pawn Shop. Additional stolen property was later located at Kennebec Jewelers on Maine Avenue in Farmingdale.
Both businesses were very helpful in the investigation and seizure of the property, KCSO reports.
Deputies drafted and executed two search warrants, one for Sarah Vitale’s vehicle and one for her residence located at Deer Ridge Run in Augusta. Upon searching the vehicle and residence, Deputies located more than approximately $75,000 worth of jewelry, cameras, silver coins, electronics, knives, and other valuables.
“Many of the items located were family heirlooms,” said Sheriff Randall Liberty. “To the victims of these crimes, the items were not replaceable. Items included many items of jewelry that had been passed from several generations; some of the items were old family Military Medals from grandparents: items much more valuable than their street value.”
Vitale has been charged with Class C Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, and on three other arrest warrants for Failure to Appear (Operating After Suspension), Failure to Pay Fine (Criminal Trespass), and Failure to Pay Fine (Unlawful Possession of a Scheduled Drug).
Vitale has several prior convictions for Theft by Unauthorized Taking, Obstructing Government Administration, Possession of Scheduled Drug, and Violating Conditions of Release.
Greenlaw was charged with Class C Theft by Receiving Stolen Property and Unlawful Possession of a Scheduled Drug. Greenlaw has an extensive record of burglary, theft and drug convictions dating back from 1991 to the present.
Burglaries had been committed in the Towns of Vassalboro, Albion, China, Sidney, Monmouth and Edgecomb amongst others. Any victims that believe their property may have been recovered are asked to contact the investigating agency, which took their burglary complaint.
“These burglaries were committed to feed the suspects opiate addictions,” Liberty said. “There is evidence of heavy heroin and crack cocaine addiction. When opiate addicts are consuming $500 a day, they must either steal or deal drugs. It’s another way that society is burdened by opiates. We’re very pleased to be able to return these items to the victims and to incarcerate the suspects.”
Law enforcement officers from several agencies are reviewing the items to assist in determining the rightful owners.
