Painted Quarter Leads Police To Fairfax Burglar

Painted quarter leads police to burglar

FAIRFAX -- A 12-year-old boy from Fairfax faces a charge of burglary for breaking into an unoccupied residence and stealing a number of items - among them a painted quarter that was later traced to a local convenience store, said state police.

Police say the juvenile broke into the Fairfax home on Jan. 13 and stole a large amount of loose change, assorted jewelry, a cell phone and other items.

The homeowner later went to the Steeples Market in Fairfax and asked if any large amounts of change - including a quarter painted red - had been recently returned. The market employee said someone had returned about $60 in change, including the quarter.

Police said they were able to find the juvenile, based on information given to them by Steeples employees. A search of the suspect's residence revealed the jewelry and other property stolen during the burglary.

Police said they will file a juvenile petition for burglary with Vermont District Court in St. Albans.