Police arrest man they believe vandalized a dozen soda machines

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Gregory Michael MooreJackson County Jail

Medford police have arrested a homeless man they suspect smashed a dozen soda vending machines last week in an effort to snatch money from inside.

Gregory Michael Moore, 28, was charged with four counts of first-degree criminal mischief and one charge of second-degree theft for the vandalism and theft spree over several nights early last week in Medford. The charges were filed based on the various locations where he targeted multiple machines, Medford police Detective Sgt. Mike Budreau said.

Moore attracted police attention Friday night when he was present at a fight between several other men, Budreau said. When officers investigating that assault interviewed Moore, they found that he had several arrest warrants issued out of California and took him into custody. He was lodged in Jackson County Jail.

During the arrest, officers noticed that his clothing matched that worn by the vending-machine vandal seen on surveillance tape. They also recovered a sledgehammer possibly used in those break-ins, Budreau said.

A detective worked over the weekend, talking to Moore and piecing together details, Budreau said. The investigation linked Moore to the 11 damaged vending machines in Medford and one in Ashland. The damage totalled more than $10,000, police estimated.

Police filed the criminal mischief and theft charges Monday after consulting with the Jackson County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors could still revise the charges today, police said.
Moore remains in jail today without bail.

— Anita Burke

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