Gardiner Man Accused of Selling Stolen Staging to Buy Heroin

A Gardiner man is accused of stealing equipment from his employer and then selling it to support his drug habit.

Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland says 34-year-old Edward Robinson is accused of stealing construction staging, valued at $3,500 from his former employer. Robinson was working with Pepin Properties of Augusta on the construction of a house at Stone Gate Crossing, when he stole some staging after hours. The theft was reported on December 28th. Troopers recovered the staging this week from a Gardiner business, who told police they had purchased it from Robinson for $900. Police say he used the proceeds to buy heroin.

Police have charged Robinson with Burglary and Theft by Unauthorized Taking. He was told of the charges while being held at the Kennebec County Jail on unrelated charges.