Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A video surveillance system is being credited with catching an employee in an act of theft from a local business.
“On Tuesday, Feb. 19, a manager with the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center contacted the department, reporting a theft,” said Det. Sgt. Wayne Selfridge. Upon receiving the complaint, Officer Chris Hayes, of the Presque Isle Police Department, responded to investigate. Hayes was informed by the manager that over $9,000 in cash and check deposits were stolen from the business sometime the night before.
“The money was believed to have been taken between the hours of 3 and 11 p.m. the night before,” said Selfridge.
The manager told Hayes he believed it was a new employee and had video footage of the theft.
“The manager indicated the new employee, Melissa S. Bubar, 21, of Fort Fairfield, went into the drawer around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 18, took the money and placed it in her purse. Soon after, Bubar asked to go to her car to warm it up, taking her coat and purse with her,” said Selfridge.
The manager told Hayes there was another manager and a night auditor who could provide written statements stating when they last saw the money in the drawer, providing a time frame for the theft. A copy of the video footage was provided to Selfridge, lead investigator on the case.
Bubar was subsequently brought in for an interview. While speaking with Selfridge, it’s reported Bubar admitted to the crime and returned around $4,700 to Selfridge.
“Bubar has been charged with theft, a Class C felony. She’s scheduled for arraignment in Caribou Superior Court on April 25,” said Selfridge.
Selfridge described Bubar as a “short-term employee.”
“She hadn’t worked at the facility very long. There was considerable money on hand, due to banks being closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday. She took everything, even checks,” said Selfridge.
No motive was disclosed for the theft.
Selfridge said Bubar cooperated with police.
“Bubar was cooperative in the recovery of a vast majority of the property,” said Selfridge.
