Criminal Arrest / Theft From Vehicle

DATE & TIME: July 5, 2011 @ 2200        
Case # 11-158
            
LOCATION: 202 Broad Street, Berlin,Worcester County

CRIME: Theft over $10,000 and up to $100,000
       
VICTIM: Teresa Lerner Ocean City,MD
       
ACCUSED: juvenile male age 17, Berlin,MD
           
CHARGES:  Rogue and Vagabond, Theft over $10,000 and up to $100,000

NARRATIVE: 
On July 5, 2011, the Berlin Police Department initiated an investigation into the theft from a vehicle.  It was learned that the "victim" owner and landlord of an address located on Broad Street in Berlin, responded to the location to collect the monthly rent from tenants.  During her time away from her parked vehicle, her purse was stolen.  Items contained in the purse were several pieces of jewelry with a reported value of $20,000. 
Due to the nature of the crime, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was contacted to continue the investigation.

During the investigation, it was learned that a juvenile residing in one of the apartments was involved in the theft.  Contact was made with the juvenile’s father and a meeting was scheduled to speak with the juvenile.
During the interview, the juvenile confessed to the theft and all of the stolen items were ultimately recovered and returned to the victim.
 
The juvenile was arrested and charged on July 20, 2011 and released to the custody of his father, pending a juvenile hearing.