Two Kennebec County men face a long list of burglary and theft charges spanning nearly three years and largely relating to incidents in seven Lincoln County towns.
Grand juries in Lincoln and Kennebec County indicted Brian Brown, 35, of Winthrop, on a total of 43 charges of burglary, criminal mischief, theft by deception and theft by unauthorized taking.
Stephen Dingus, 29, of Hallowell, faces eight charges of burglary and theft by unauthorized taking.
The indictments refer to burglaries and thefts at 17 residences and one business in the towns of Belgrade, Bristol, Jefferson, Newcastle, Somerville, South Bristol, Waldoboro and Whitefield.
According to the indictment, the men – mostly Brown – allegedly stole at least six televisions, six items falling into the category of a “firearm or explosive device,” multiple computers, one still and one video camera, a Wii console, an iPod, two stereos, cash, credit cards, savings bonds and jewelry.
Brown and Dingus also allegedly helped themselves to over $10,000 in wiring, pipes and steel plates, a printer, video games, computer software, DVDs, three safes (one containing a deed and a will), a pair of binoculars, coins and miscellaneous clothing, electronics, papers and other “personal affects.”
According to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Murphy, LCSO began investigating Brown and Dingus in Sept. 2010.
After an initial admission of guilt, the pair’s involvement in the zigzagging burglary spree began pouring out. “It was like pulling a piece of yarn on a sweater,” Murphy said.
The pair allegedly expressed a preference for televisions in the 30 to 42-inch range, noting the size made the units “easy to carry,” Murphy said. Brown and Dingus allegedly sold the televisions and other electronics through various channels, earning $200-$500 per set.
Murphy described the pair’s Modus Operandi as unsophisticated. They often burglarized in the daytime, entering homes through unlocked or easily forced doors or windows.
While the investigation is “pretty well wrapped up” and Brown and Dingus are behind bars for the moment, Murphy advised the public to use caution – to lock doors after leaving the house and to report suspicious activity.
“If you see something unusual” – like a van backing up to the home of an absent neighbor – “don’t be afraid to call it in,” Murphy said. “The worst thing we’re going to do is go over and I.D. the plumber.”
According to Kennebec County Jail personnel, Brown has been incarcerated since Aug. 7, 2010, Dingus since Aug. 19. Both men are currently awaiting sentencing in that county.
Brown and Dingus are scheduled for arraignment in Lincoln County Superior Court on Thurs., March 31 at 8:30 a.m.
