CRIME

Police: Two men stole hundreds of trees

Free Press Staff

Chad Morse, 35, of Arlington, was arrested for suspicion of stealing more than 300 trees.

Two Arlington men are suspected of stealing and selling more than 300 trees, police said in a news release issued Saturday.

Philip Morse Jr, 29, and Chad Morse, 35, turned themselves in to Vermont State Police at the Shaftsbury Barracks on Dec. 4. The pair was charged with numerous felony counts of theft of real property, police said.

The Morses are suspected of stealing 335 trees from a property located off of Vermont 313 West in Arlington, police said. The type of trees was not specified.

Philip Morse Jr, 29, of Arlington was arrested for suspicion of stealing 335 trees.

Police said the pair allegedly made a profit from selling from the trees and failed to notify the property owner.

The Morses were released on conditions, police said. They are scheduled to appear in Bennington Criminal Court on Dec. 14.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information on this or similar crimes is asked to contact the Vermont State Police at the Shaftsbury Barracks at 802-442-5421. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at www.vtips.info.