Caribou man arrested after stealing boat and discovering drugs and firearms

CARIBOU – A local man has faced multiple charges after drugs and firearms were discovered in his home during an investigation into a stolen boat.

Caribou Police reported a major burglary on July 14 in which a 16-foot aluminum Starcraft boat and other items were stolen from a home on Van Buren Road.

Almost a month later, on August 19, Sergeant Welpe responded to a complaint of a lost dog on Limestone Street.

Chad Cochran of the Caribou Police Department spotted a boat similar to the one stolen.

Sergeant Cochran compared a photograph of the boat reported stolen with the one he had observed and obtained a search warrant for a more detailed examination of the boat until August 21.

The investigation confirmed that the boat on Limestone Street was the boat that was stolen on Van Buren Road.

After securing the apartment, a second search warrant enabled officers to search for further stolen goods.

During the search, drugs, drug paraphernalia and firearms were found.

Joshua Akerson, 38, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods, illegal possession of a firearm and two counts of trafficking in Schedule Z drugs.

He posted bail that same evening and his court date is scheduled for October 3.

Sergeant Cochran was assisted by Officers Craig Peterson, Douglas Bell, Kegan McPherson and K9 “Ace” and Deputies Lucas Hafford and Eric Corbin of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.

Caribou Police are still investigating the original break-in as several items remain missing.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Caribou Police at 493-3301.