BELFAST — Acting on a tip from a Thomaston redemption center, a Belfast man was arrested July 11 in connection to the theft of approximately $2,500 worth of bottles and cans from Little River Redemption in Belfast over Fourth of July weekend.

The Belfast redemption center closed for the weekend in the afternoon of July 6, a Saturday, and Monday morning returned to find the front door broken and about 50 bags of pre-sorted bottles and cans missing. Days later, police learned that Jesse Dodge, 31, of Belfast, had turned in a large amount of bottles and cans at Touch of Class Redemption in Thomaston. Belfast police arrested Dodge, charging him with burglary.

Belfast Police Chief Mike McFadden said Dodge previously worked at Little River Redemption, which ensured he knew the layout.

"His father [Ronald Dodge] was the previous owner of the redemption center," said McFadden.

Police were able to locate approximately $2,500 in cash from a truck, according to McFadden, because "while in custody [Dodge] called his friend and asked them to go to where the pickup truck was stashed and how [the friend] should distribute the money." Police beat the friend to the truck, which McFadden said was parked "in a concealed, hidden area," and they recovered the money inside it.

After investigating the vehicle further, McFadden said it was learned that the truck had been reported stolen from Swanville "a while ago."

When asked about possible accomplices in the case, McFadden said that the investigation is ongoing, being handled by Detective Bryan Cunningham, but that "Dodge isn't talking." McFadden said it is likely additional charges would be filed.

-----------------------------------------

To reach Erica Thoms, email news@penbaypilot.com.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.