MAINE COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM UNIVERSITY OF MAINE BY EMPLOYEEWoman charged in thefts
Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Woman charged in thefts


By CHRIS CHURCHILL
Staff Writer

Little by little, over the course of several months, a Litchfield woman stole computer technology worth at least $20,000 from the University of Maine at Augusta campus, police say.

Meghan Doyle then peddled much of the pilfered equipment on eBay, according to police, and directly sold at least six stolen flat-screen monitors to the Monmouth Police Department, the Cumston Public Library and the Monmouth Town Office.

Augusta police have charged Doyle with Class A felony theft -- punishable by as much as $10,000 and 20 years in jail.

"The investigation is continuing," said Augusta Detective Dan Boivin. "There's still a lot of work to be done."

Doyle, 22, worked for the Augusta branch of the University of Maine System Network for Educational and Technological Services, which handles UMS computer systems and interactive television systems.

According to a UMS spokesperson, Doyle was hired in August 2004, and left in September 2005.

Boivin believes that over several months, Doyle stole video conferencing equipment, flat-screen monitors and personal computers -- equipment the university system reported missing on Aug. 16.

Much of that equipment, Boivin said, was sold on eBay's Internet auction site and sent "all over the country, and all over the world."

Augusta police subpoenaed eBay to trace some sales back to Doyle, said Boivin, adding that the online auction site cooperated with the investigation.

According to police, Doyle owns Meghan's Computers, a computer-services company that was hired by Monmouth's police department, town office and library.

As part of her work, Doyle allegedly sold and installed flat-screen computer monitors.

"Unfortunately, the town has been victimized," said Monmouth Town Manager Jason Simcock. "It's a very unfortunate situation for us to be involved in and it's been a surprise to us."

Monmouth police have launched their own investigation into the sale of the allegedly stolen equipment, Chief Chuck Shaw said Monday.

Boivin said he has not determined the value of the equipment allegedly stolen by Doyle, but he believes the amount to be over $20,000 -- the bar allowing for Class A theft charges.

University of Maine System officials confirmed the thefts, but they declined to comment further, citing ongoing police investigations.

Doyle, who could not be reached for comment, is scheduled to appear in Augusta District Court on December 23.

Chris Churchill -- 623-3811, Ext. 431

cchurchill@centralmaine.com