The suspect or suspects also stole a van from the parking lot, which was later recovered by police in Troy, New York. A number of computers were discovered in the van, but Lt. Detective Michael Warren said he was not able, at this stage in the investigation, to say whether all the items stolen from the property were recovered.
Burlington Police are working with Troy Police, and they’ve developed a “strong lead on a particular suspect,” Warren said, adding that it’s still unclear if that person acted alone. Warren said he was not prepared to divulge the extent of the vandalism, saying only that there was “quite a bit of damage.”
The break in was reported to police Monday morning, and could have occurred “anytime over the weekend,” Warren said, adding that investigators are working to narrow that timeframe.
Warren said he was unable to comment at this time on whether the suspect police identified has any connection to Burlington College, and said he expects more information to be available early next week.
Burlington College ceased operations in May after People’s United Bank declined to renew its line of credit, and it became clear that the school could not pay back its debts and continue to operate.
The bank took possession of the property, which was locked and partially gated when the break in occurred. Yves Bradley, chair of Burlington College’s Board of Trustees said recently that the skeletal team winding down the school’s affairs had been winnowed to just its president, Dr. Carol Moore, who has been volunteering her time.
People’s is expected to sell the property to developer Eric Farrell who already bought much of surrounding land from the college. That sale is expected to extinguish the college’s bank debt, but it appears unlikely that its other creditors, including the Vermont Economic Development Authority, will be repaid.
The furniture and fixtures in the building were expected to be sold at auction in order to help pay down the college’s debts, and it’s unclear how the vandalism will impact proceeds from that auction. Warren was not able to speak to the condition of the computers and other items recovered in Troy.
Burlington Police are offering an unspecified “cash reward” for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for the break in. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 802-540-2280.
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