AUGUSTA -- Three men remain behind bars after being charged in connection with a string of home break-ins during which thousands of dollars worth of guns and electronics were stolen.

Christopher P. Reed, 22, of Waterville, was arrested Tuesday after a warranted search of his Summer Street home turned up eight stolen guns in addition to a 42-inch plasma television, Oxycodone, Methadone and several computers, said Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty.

Reed, who was charged with two counts of receiving stolen property, was being held at the Kennebec County jail on $3,500 cash bail on Wednesday.

Reed is the third person to be arrested in connection with a string of more than 14 burglaries in six towns, including Vassalboro, Oakland, Waterville, Winslow Fairfield and Unity, that have taken place over the past several weeks, Liberty said.

Travis Scott Barrett, 20, of Augusta, was charged on Oct. 23 at the Somerset County Jail, where he was being held on a warrant, with burglary and theft. Barrett, who has additional charges pending, also was issued a warrant charging him with drug possession, Liberty said. Barrett remains in custody at the Somerset County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Kenneth W. Mitchell, 21, of Waterville, was arrested Nov. 17 and charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief and violating conditions of his release. He remains in custody at the Kennebec County jail on the charge he violated conditions of his release and $10,000 cash bail.

Mitchell and Barrett were primarily responsible for the burglaries, during which guns and electronics were taken, Liberty said.

"I would say it was in excess of $10,000 stolen," he said.

Reed purchased the eight guns for $350, Liberty said. The weapons, which will be returned to their owners, have a combined value of about $3,500.

Police also are investigating whether Barrett, Mitchell and Reed may be connected to other break ins as well, Liberty said.

"The suspects are now in custody and several more arrests are expected," he said. "We're pleased these eight handguns are now off the street and will be returned to their rightful owners soon."

The burglaries are being investigated by the Major Crimes Task Force, a cooperative effort of Kennebec County agencies including the Kennebec County Sheriff's department, Maine State Police and departments in Oakland, Fairfield, Winslow and Waterville.

"The collaboration between law enforcement agencies in this investigation was tremendous," Liberty said. "The investigators worked tirelessly to solve these burglaries."

Craig Crosby--623-3811, ext. 433

ccrosby@centralmaine.com