The Togiak Health Clinic was damaged in an apparent burglary earlier this week, and two young men have been identified as the suspects. The only health clinic for the village of 900 residents remains shut down on account of the damages.
Eighteen-year-old Brett Pauk was arraigned today on three charges: felony criminal mischief, felony burglary, and a misdemeanor theft charge.
Pauk’s alleged co-conspirator is a 17-year-old from Togiak. As a minor, he ia unnamed in court documents, but troopers say charges will be referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
At least $100 in cash and a pair of headphones valued at $160 were stolen from the clinic.
Troopers say the two men ripped electrical wires out of the wall in an apparent attempt to knock out surveillance, quote, “annihilating” the clinic’s communication and electrical systems. That damage has caused the loss of communication between the clinic and the Kanakanak Hospital, and the clinic may remain closed for several days as crews scramble to make repairs.