LEBANON, Maine — The release of a game camera image of a suspect following a burglary on Dixon Road last month has led to the arrest of an Eliot man who admits to more than 80 break ins, according to police.
John Daley, 54, who was out on probation for previous burglaries, was charged Monday with 40 burglaries committed in York County, Sheriff William King said in a Tuesday email.
“Other towns and cities are reviewing their unsolved burglaries” to see if Daley will face additional charges, King said.
Daley’s recent crime spree started several months ago, but he also admitted to a burglary from 2004.
“York County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police out of Troop A, have received numerous complaints of burglaries from residents in Lebanon, Acton, and Shapleigh,” the Maine State Police posted on its Facebook page Monday. “The burglaries took place at homes, camps, and storage sheds. Residents reported that firearms, tools, and cash among other items were stolen during these incidents.”
A game camera belonging to a homeowner on Dixon Road in Lebanon captured a picture of a burglary suspect and his vehicle in February. After the image was placed on the state police’s Facebook page and on Instagram, investigators received a call from a citizen who recognized the suspect.
Maine State Troopers and York County deputies stopped Daley on Route 109 in Sanford on March 8.
“During subsequent interviews with Daley, he admitted to being involved in over 80 burglaries, one which dates back to 2004 in the York County,” state police state on the Facebook post. “He also admitted to stealing guns, tools, and cash. Also located in his vehicle were stolen saws and the pry bar that was used to gain entry into the homes. One handgun was recovered during the investigation.”
Daley, who has been held on a probation violation since March 8, was charged Monday with multiple burglaries in Lebanon, two of which included firearms. His bail was set at $15,000.
Daley made his first court appearance in Springvale District Court on Wednesday and his bail was set at $15,000, but he remains held on the probation violation, a York County Jail official said Thursday.
“This arrest was the result of a concerned citizen stepping forward providing valuable information and the partnership between the York County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police,” the post states.