Four face charges in firearms burglary
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: June 18, 2009
DUMMERSTON — Four southern Vermont residents, including three juveniles, are facing charges they stole firearms from a Dummerston residence.
On June 6, Bellows Falls Police contacted State Police to report they had recovered 11 firearms, which included pistols and assault rifles. Police learned the guns had been stolen during the burglary of a Dummerston residence and linked the alleged incident to four suspects.
Nicholas Moll, 18, of Bellows Falls, is facing a charge of burglary, as are three unnamed juveniles — a 16-year-old male from Athens, a 14-year-old male from Bellows Falls and a 17-year-old female from Rockingham.
Bellows Falls Police Chief Ron Lake said his department learned of the incident after a resident called to report one of the suspects had asked if he wanted to buy a gun. Lake said police took the suspect into custody and after questioning got a description of where the alleged burglary took place.
Lake said based on the description of the location, he believed the alleged burglary took place in Dummerston, an area he was familiar with because he patrolled it years ago. Lake said he then turned the investigation over to State Police.
Investigating officer Sgt. Eric Albright was not available Wednesday, but according to Sgt. Michael Sorensen, it does not appear the alleged victim is a federally licensed firearm dealer. It is a federal crime to burglarize a federally licensed firearms dealer, such as the June 1 burglary of Barrows Point Trading Post in Quechee, during which 16 guns were stolen.
It is unclear when the suspects will be arraigned, and in the case of the juveniles, which court.
"Just because they're under 18 doesn't mean they'll be charged as a juvenile," said Windham County State's Attorney Tracy Kelly Shriver, who said Wednesday her office has not received the police affidavits.
State law allows juveniles as young as 14 to be charged as adults for any of 12 crimes recognized by the state as the most egregious, including murder, arson causing death or aggravated sexual assault. Burglary by itself does not make this list, but burglary of an occupied dwelling does.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call State Police Sgt. Albright at 254-2382.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
40