Grainy game camera image snares Eliot man suspected in scores of burglaries

Inset pictures of John Daley and a gun found in his possession appear along with the game camera image that miraculously led to his arrest. (Inset photos State Police)

ALFRED, Maine - An Eliot man who admitted to committing more than 80 burglaries in York County over more than a decade, including many in Lebanon and Acton, will make his first court appearance in connection with the gargantuan crime spree on Wednesday.

A recent break in the case occurred last month when State Police were alerted to a burglary on Dixon Road in Lebanon in which the homeowner captured images of the suspect on a game camera.

Investigators put the picture on the State Police Facebook Page and received a call from a citizen who recognized the suspect.

The identification was followed by a coordinated effort on March 8 in which John Daley, 54, was stopped by State Troopers and York County Deputies on Route 109 in Sanford.

During interviews with Daley, he admitted to being involved in more than 80 burglaries in York County dating back to 2004 during which he said he stole guns, tools, and cash. Located in his vehicle were stolen saws and a pry bar used to gain entry into homes. A handgun was also recovered during the investigation.

Daley had been on probation from previous burglaries in the Wells area and was held on a probation violation.

On Monday Daley was formally charged with multiple burglaries in Lebanon, two of which included theft of firearms.

Meanwhile, the York County Sheriff's Office will be charging Daley with approximately 40 burglaries.

Daley, who is currently on a no bail order due to probation violation, will make his first court appearance on Wednesday in Springvale District Court.