Women accused in U.P. burglary ring allegedly stole from youth sports concession stands

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI — Two women accused of being part of a burglary ring were charged last week with conducting a criminal enterprise in connection with a string of thefts, according to WJMN. Melissa Cowling, 42 and Julia Linville-Drake, 18 were arraigned on the charges as part of an investigation that began in September.

As police were investigating a break-in at the Krist Gas Station on Riverview Way, they determined that two adults and a teen were involved in the theft of over $17,000 worth of merchandise and caused roughly $4,500 in damages. Evidence led police to identify Cowling and Linville-Drake as suspects in the break-in.

Eventually, police also linked the duo to a series of thefts involving at least four different youth sports concession stands earlier this year. In those incidents, police say more than $20,000 was stolen and damages exceed $10,000.

Police say two teens have also been charged in connection to the thefts, but their names have not been released.