Machias man charged with burglary

MACHIAS – An 18-year-old Machias man appeared in Washington County Superior Court on Wednesday in connection with thefts involving two handguns and $3,000 in cash.

Christopher Heathcote was charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft. Bail was set at $2,000 cash or $20,000 single surety, Assistant District Attorney Joelle Pratt said Wednesday.

The judge also imposed several conditions including drug and alcohol testing by police and a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Heathcote also was ordered to live with his sister in East Machias.

Sometime before Aug. 1, a .357 Magnum handgun, a silver necklace and $3,000 in cash were taken from the Floyd Josten residence in Machias. Entry was gained through a window in the house, an affidavit on file with the Washington County Superior Court said.

On Aug. 1, a confidential informant, working with the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and with the assistance of the Machias Police Department, purchased a handgun similar to the one stolen from the Josten residence. The confidential informant paid $275 for the gun.

Two days later, a loaded Glock handgun was stolen from the Julian Richardson residence also in Machias. It was then that the Machias police and MDEA agents began a surveillance of Heathcote, the court documents said.

While watching the defendant, one of the MDEA agents observed a male near the Bad Little Falls in Machias pick up a black and gray backpack and put it in the trunk of his car. “Later the black and gray backpack was with [Heathcote] in the woods near the Machias River,” the affidavit said.

Heathcote was approached and questioned by police about the sale of the handgun that was stolen before Aug. 1. According to the documents, Heathcote admitted he and another man had allegedly broken into the Josten residence. “[He] said that he took the handgun and [the other man] took a silver necklace,” the affidavit said.

Heathcote was then questioned about the break-in at the Richardson residence. “[He] admitted that he had entered the Richardson residence through the garage and then entered the house,” the affidavit said. “[Heathcote] went further to say that he had taken some cash and quarters as well as the Glock and ammunition.”

According to the affidavit, Heathcote told police the theft and burglaries were to get money to purchase drugs and alcohol.

Pratt said Wednesday night that another man is expected to be arrested in connection with the burglary and theft.

Heathcote remained in the Washington County Jail on Wednesday night.

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