Two accused of tool burglary

A Springfield man pleaded innocent on Thursday for allegedly stealing under $8,000 in expensive tools from a friend’s former employer.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20121027/NEWS02/705229849

Published October 27, 2012 in the Rutland Herald Two accused of tool burglary By Christian Avard Staff Writer WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Springfield man pleaded innocent on Thursday for allegedly stealing under $8,000 in expensive tools from a friend’s former employer. Jason Morin, 27, was charged with one count of burglary in connection with a May burglary on Popple Dungeon Road in Chester. The tools belonged to Gary Watkins, who runs a business in the local area. Police received several anonymous tips and conducted a five-month investigation that tied Morin and three other people to the burglary. They include Luella Powell of Springfield, who was also arrested. On Sept. 27, Powell met with Chester Police and confessed to taking part in the burglary. According to Detective Matt Wilson of the Chester Police, Powell said she and two men met with Morin and Morin “gave information where to go to steal stuff.” But one of Watkins’ employers contradicted Powell’s story, claiming it was another man who knew where Watkins’ equipment was located, police said. Morin, Powell, and two men broke into Watkins’ residence and stole power equipment, saws, a welder and generator, according to Wilson. They took the equipment and brought it to a site near Running Bear Campground in Ascutney to transfer it for cash. Upon further investigation, Chester Police discovered Morin had been staying at Running Bear Campground in Ascutney. Morin met with police and admitted to buying the stolen property for $2,100. When asked where he sold the items, Morin said “he got rid of it at a yard sale.” Morin is being held on $10,000 bail at Springfield Prison at the request of Windsor County State’s Attorney Robert Sand. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison, $1,000 in fines, or both. A status conference was set for Nov. 27. Powell will be arraigned in criminal court as well but a date has not been determined. No other arrests have been made in connection with the robbery. Jason Morin, 27, of Springfield was arraigned on Thursday for allegedly stealing up to $8,000 in equipment from a Popple Dungeon Road home. He faces up to 15 years and up to $1,000 in fines, if convicted. Photo: CHRISTIAN AVARD / STAFF PHOTO