Teens charged with burglary

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – A security system at the RMJ Cash Market, located on Allen Street, is being credited with providing information that led to the arrest of two local teenage boys.
Roger Pelkey, the owner of RMJ, contacted the Presque Isle Police Department around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, to report a burglary at his business.
    “We responded to the scene and discovered forced entry had been used to obtain entrance to the establishment. Items taken included cigarettes, a small amount of cash and various other items,” said Det. Bill Scull, lead investigator on the case.
Scull indicated the front entry door had been kicked open. A big footprint was visible on the door, providing the first bit of evidence.
“Sgt. Mark Barnes assisted in the investigation, processing the scene,” said Scull.
Electronic equipment at the business was in use at the time of the incident and provided police with information that led to two arrests.
“The surveillance equipment provided information that assisted in identifying the suspects,” explained Scull.
Using that information, police were able make two arrests on Thursday, June 21.
“One was a 15-year-old male juvenile, while the other was an 18-year-old male. Both were originally from Washburn and most recently were residing in Presque Isle,” said Scull.
According to Scull, the teens were charged with two counts of Class C burglary, two counts of Class C theft and one count of criminal mischief.
“The theft and burglary charges stem from the fact they went back and stole more items,” said Scull. “Arraignment was June 22. The 15-year-old admitted at that time to the offenses and was sentenced to the Maine Youth Center until he turns 18.”
The 18-year-old was identified as Tyler Maynard. Scull identified the 15-year-old, who turned 16 on June 27, as Richard Churchill.
Assistant District Attorney Carrie Linthicum explained that although Churchill is a minor, his name could be released because he admitted to a felony and will now serve time for the related crimes.
Maynard was also arraigned and was released on $5,000 unsecured bail. He has been scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Caribou on July 18.
Scull and Barnes received assistance from various other offices in Aroostook County, including the Washburn Police Department.