Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

August 1, 2012

Jefferson woman admits involvement in 46 crimes

22-year-old acted as get-away driver and lookout as accomplice in dozens of thefts and burglaries

By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- A Jefferson woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking part in 46 crimes, most of them burglaries and thefts, that occurred throughout Kennebec County.

Emily Allen-Perry, 22, was driver, lookout or both during most of the crimes, and she pawned stolen items at jewelry stores, according to prosecutor Brad Grant, an assistant district attorney who spoke to the judge in Kennebec County Superior Court.

In all, Allen-Perry admitted her involvement in 22 burglaries, 22 thefts and one count each of stealing drugs and criminal attempt, occurring between Sept. 1 and Dec. 27 in Augusta, Belgrade, Benton, Chelsea, Clinton, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Readfield, Vassalboro, Windsor and Winthrop.

Among the items stolen were jewelry and firearms, and the case was cracked after Allen-Perry pawned some distinctive jewelry and the owner recognized it, Grant said.

Allen-Perry was involved in 46 crimes, Grant said, adding that her boyfriend, John W. Grotton, 26, of Augusta, previously pleaded guilty to 93 crimes, also largely relating to burglaries at private homes. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with all but five years suspended, and eight years of probation. He was ordered to pay $98,000 in restitution.

Grant said Allen-Perry cooperated with authorities after being confronted last December, and she showed detectives which homes Grotton had burglarized while she waited in a vehicle.

Attorneys said the proposed sentence for Allen-Perry is seven years in jail, with at least five years suspended, and four years of probation.

Her attorney, Walter McKee, is expected to argue at a future sentencing hearing that more jail time should be suspended. McKee said restitution totals $54,329, and the judge agreed to delay discussion about Allen-Perry's ability to repay that until the sentencing hearing.

McKee said Allen-Perry previously worked as a certified nurse's aide, but that these convictions would make future employment difficult.

"She's 22 years old," he said. "She's a bright person who has a lot of potential."

He also said her family has been supportive of her. Allen-Perry remains free on bail pending the sentencing hearing.

Grotton's sister, Kiley J. Grotton, 23, of Augusta, was indicted in February on three counts each of burglary and theft and two counts of violation of conditions of release, all related to the same series of crimes. Those charges remain pending.

Tweet