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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Police: Teens stole $123k in silver, gold

An accidental shooting last summer was linked to a suspected burglary ring involving $123,000 in stolen gold and silver coins, court documents allege.

Joseph S. Denison, 19, brought the Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver to a party in Deer Park on Aug. 21, where it accidental discharged and caused a non-life threatening injury to a young woman, according to court documents.

The gun was one of 10 stolen from a home at 5501 E. Handy Road in August, detectives say.

Denison pleaded not guilty to 31 felony charges Wednesday that include several counts of burglary and theft of a firearm. He is not in custody.

Patrick Hayes Wellman, who is in federal custody on Ecstasy and gun charges, is charged with 10 felonies related to the case.

The alleged burglary spree between April and September, including a burglary on Sept. 7 in the 32000 block of North Rimrose Drive in which seven firearms, 85 ounces of gold coins and 1,500 ounces of silver was stolen.

The home belongs to Denison's ex-girlfriend's father, who told police Denison knew of the valuables and knew how to access them.

Detectives believe Wellman also participated in that burglary, along with Anthony D. Fuerte, 18, and Denison's brother, George A. Denison, 20, who also face felony charges.



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