SEBEC, Maine — Two men were summoned last week after stealing items from a man’s garage and selling them for scrap metal, according to Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department.
Troy Herbest, 41, of Milo was charged on March 12 and John Fogg, 38, of Dover-Foxcroft was charged on March 14, both with Class C burglary.
The burglary happened at a River Road residence sometime in February, but wasn’t reported to police until March 12, sheriff’s Investigator James Kane said Thursday morning.
“A garage was entered and some batteries, tools and metal weights were stolen off tractors and farm equipment being stored there,” Kane said. The items stolen had a total value of about $1,000.
Kane said the owner went to a few scrap yards and was able to find his property.
“The scrap yard was able to provide a receipt. The items kind of stuck out in his mind because they were unusual,” Kane said. “He set them aside [for the owner].”
Kane said five of the tractor weights were recovered along with most of the batteries and tools. Other items still may be recovered because they’re in a pile of scrap metal.
“They’re picking them out as they go through the pile,” Kane said.
The suspects have an initial court date on June 25.
“The scrap yard was able to provide a receipt. The items kind of stuck out in his mind because they were unusual,” Kane said. “He set them aside [for the owner].”
Perhaps the scrap yard owner should not be buying property that obivoulsy didn’t belong to the people trying to make a fast buck out of something they stole.
Only when scrap metal buyers are treated the same as pawn shops this will continue. A pawn shop or antique dealer that buys stolen items and gets caught with those items looses those items and what they paid for them. A legal term called “receiving stolen property” applies. Scrap dealers lose nothing and the word gets out that they will buy anything so business is booming. Just plain greed.
Not sure, but doesn’t the scrapyard lose out on what they pay for stolen/recovered scrap the same as a pawn shop does with stolen property?
I believe they probably do, if caught, and if the items can be traced back to the owner. But that is very difficult without definite proof like a serial number or identifying marking. My copper piping does not have those identifying marks does yours. It’s a tough conviction unless the thieves are caught in the act as the law is now.
Thats just it. Pawn dealers are dealing with serial numbers, or at least identifiable objects. I don’t see what a scrap yard can do differently. They already take names, and cut checks on a certain level of pay out. Maybe taking pictures of the load? If it was all copper that wouldn’t work, but with unusual items, like the tracter weights, it could help.
Well of course it has to be identifiable in either situation, but I was talking about this one specifically. They were definitely busted this time, so I’m going to believe the scrapyard is out the same as a pawn shop would be.
And of course I mark my plumbing. You don’t? :)
The word on shady scrap dealers wont get out, unless it is to other thieves.
This paper wont list where the stolen stuff was found. Why not?
Rarely do we see a description or photo of a robbery suspect, even though the police are seeking help.
I cant figure it out.
well done mr. kane
These two should be made to work pick and shovel, with a shot gun on them [like in a chain gang], and see how honest people make a buck. Jail won’t teach them anything, just teach them how to be better crooks.
They should at least get MORE jail time than a weed farmer that isn’t bothering anybody. These dirt bags should just get a job or eat less.
looks like the home owner did all the police work on this one…what are we paying these guys for? Oh wait,crime is rampant in Piscataquis county..maybe they should hire the home owner as an investigator
Yes as someone whos been in the scrap business for many years, If the item is still in our possession, we lose out on the money and have to give the items back. If they are gone, well not much we can do about that. We give out checks, have fingerprints,take pictures and their signature. Not much more we can do about that. Don’t let the thieves back out and would cut it down quite a bit.
Come on! If you are in “the business” you get to know your customers. Repeat customers with high quality scrap should ring a bell. But you still buy it and process the “HOT” stuff as soon as possible.
I would hazard a guess and say this isn’t Fred and Lamonts first foray into the smash and grap business