The Damariscotta Police Dept. is declaring victory in the case of an April 8 theft of $1200 in quarters from the Biscay Road residence of Kevin and Rhonda Benner.
According to an April 26 press release from the department, “the case has been solved and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of the suspect.”
Acting Police Chief Chad Andrews declined to identify the suspect.
According to a letter to the editor from Kevin Benner in the April 14 edition of The Lincoln County News, his wife, Rhonda Benner, is recovering from a nearly fatal motorcycle accident.
After two years of surgeries and rehabilitation, Rhonda Benner got clearance from her surgeon to fly to Florida to visit the Benners’ two children.
After the visit, on the flight home, “we discussed this summer’s plans and the fact that [Rhonda] had basically lost the last two summers,” Kevin Benner wrote. “She still has to have her left knee rebuilt in the fall and is very limited on what she is able to do.”
“We decided to purchase a boat in view of the fact that we both love the water and boating is something [Rhonda] would be able to do,” he wrote.
The couple planned to use the quarters, saved by Kevin Benner “over the last few years… to help buy the boat.”
Upon arriving home April 11, however, the Benners discovered the money missing.
Kevin Benner directly addressed the thief in the last two paragraphs of the letter.
“You see, in my eyes, you stole more than just the money; you stole a summer of anticipated fun from someone who really didn’t deserve that,” he wrote. “If, by chance, you have a conscience, you can still do the right thing and return the money. You know where we live.”
As of press time, police have not arrested the suspect.
Kevin Benner, in a brief April 27 phone interview, said he was “very pleased” with the Damariscotta Police Dept.’s response and resolution of the case.
Kevin Benner said he doesn’t expect to recover the quarters, however, and, unfortunately, the boat purchase will have to wait.
