Two men are facing charges for allegedly stealing about $350,000 worth of equipment from a Hartland, Maine, tannery that makes leather products for the U.S. military.
The Somerset County Sheriff's Department says 31-year-old James Chasse, of Lebanon, and 27-year-old Jose Cruz, of New Jersey, are charged with four counts each of burglary and theft for allegedly breaking into Tasman Leather Group three times and leaving with dozens of press plates valued at $5,000 apiece. The plates are used in forming leather pieces. Only half have been recovered.
The Morning Sentinel reports that the break-ins occurred May 28, May 30 and June 2.
Police say Chasse used to work at the facility.
Both men remain in jail on bail. They will be assigned a public defender.
2 Charged With Stealing Equipment From Tannery
1-year-old James Chasse, of Lebanon, and 27-year-old Jose Cruz, of New Jersey, are charged with four counts each of burglary and theft
Copyright AP - Associated Press
