Jonesboro woman charged in theft Stolen jewelry turns up at pawnshop

MACHIAS – A 23-year-old Jonesboro woman was arrested Wednesday on a charge of burglary in connection with a June 8 break-in of the home of a Marshfield couple and the theft of more than $10,000 worth of jewelry.

Toni Tass was arrested late Wednesday afternoon in connection with a daytime burglary at the home, according to Sgt. Michael Crabtree of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Crabtree said Tass was implicated after the victim saw several pieces of his wife’s jewelry at Main Street Discount on June 11. The store also is a pawnshop.

Crabtree said the store owners told him Tass had sold them the jewelry.

The sergeant said he tried to interview Tass about the jewelry last Friday, but she reportedly said she wouldn’t talk with him until she consulted a lawyer.

On Monday, Crabtree said he stopped Tass on the Kennebec Road, arrested her on a charge of receiving stolen property and searched her vehicle.

The sergeant said he found a tool that he believes was used in an attempt to gain entry to the home.

Crabtree said the intruder had tried to pry open a door, but ended up removing a screen and crawling in through a bathroom window.

Crabtree said he obtained a search warrant for Tass’ home, and the Wednesday afternoon search yielded additional evidence.

Tass was charged with burglary during her Wednesday court appearance on the charge of receiving stolen property, he said. She is free on $15,000 bail.

Crabtree said police are continuing to investigate several other area burglaries, and he expects additional charges. There also may be other arrests, he said.

The burglary and an attempted break-in to another Marshfield home came just two days after a daytime burglary in Machias.

Machias Police Chief Steven Ramsey said an intruder gained entry to an Upper Court Street residence and stole more than $100 in cash.

There are leads in the case, the chief said.