CUMBERLAND — The suspect in a late December theft of a one-of-a-kind copper pot and antique toys was arrested by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Craig Robertson.
Russel Leroy Michael, 43, of Lonaconing was charged with second-degree burglary and theft less than $100.
Robertson said additional charges are pending.
On Dec. 29, the sheriff’s office received a criminal complaint regarding a burglary at the former Biederlack facility on Bedford Road.
“When we arrived at the facility we could see several of the doors had been forced open,” Deputy Jeremy Crites said. “The building was being used for storage for a Cumberland area antique auctioneer.”
Robertson wrote on social medial that several irreplaceable items were reported stolen, including a one-of-a-kind copper pot and several antique toys having an estimated value of $7,000.
The suspect was identified within days and most of the stolen property, including the copper pot, was recovered.
“It was reported that some of the stolen items were listed on Facebook Market Place,” Crites said. “The suspect posted them on his personal page from a private account.”
Michael operated a Facebook Market Place under the name “Zay Michael,” according to Crites.
After this discovery, Crites found other items that were missing and Michael allegedly sold several items before law enforcement could get to them.
“Other people may be victims of buying stolen property and not know,” Crites said.
Anyone who may have recently purchased items from the page is asked to call Crites at 301-777-1585.
Michael was arrested Jan. 3 and is awaiting trial at the Allegany County Detention Center.