Three Galena teens are facing a slew of charges after they broke into the Galena Liquor Store and stole $60,000 in cash, along with tobacco, alcohol and food, authorities say.
Around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, 19-year-old Kyle Nickoli, a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old male forced themselves into the store and caused about $400 in damage. They stole $60,000 in cash and roughly $2,000 in tobacco, alcohol, food and drinks, according to an online dispatch from Alaska State Troopers, who said they were contacted around 5:15 a.m. about the break-in.
Troopers recovered approximately $35,000 and the stolen items, which were returned to the store owner. Another $25,000 was found after the trio left the store and dropped the cash on their way out.
Nickoli was arrested for first-degree theft, second-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal mischief, violating conditions of release and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center on a no-bail warrant.
The 15- and 16-year-old were released to their parents and are being charged with first-degree theft, second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal mischief.