EAST MADISON -- New charges have been brought against four young men accused in an Oct. 16 home invasion burglary in Embden, police said Thursday. A fifth man also has been arrested and warrants are out for a sixth man, said Lt. Carl Gottardi II of the Somerset County Sheriff's Department.

Charges include as many as 60 cases of burglary, theft and other crimes, including an arson at a burglarized camp in the Bingham area, Gottardi said Thursday.

"The majority of the cases, probably a lot of them were together as a group," Gottardi said. "The persons have been initially charged with one or two counts at this time, as these persons are believed to be involved, wholly, or in part, in over 60 burglaries, thefts, vandalism, cruelty to animals, car thefts and an arson."

The crimes allegedly were committed at private residences, businesses and camps throughout Somerset County.

Gottardi said some stolen property has been recovered.

Garret Austin, 19, of Skowhegan, was arrested and charged with burglary and theft at Pinkham's Store, in North Anson.

Phillip Merrill, 19, of Skowhegan, Dylan Dickey, 18, of Skowhegan, Dylan Pomelow, 19, of Norridgewock, and Justin Rowell-Savage, 20, of Skowhegan, are charged with two counts each of burglary and theft related to the home invasion in Embden and a camp on Lake Moxie.

More charges are expected after the district attorney's office examines all the cases, Gottardi said.

"The crimes that these persons have allegedly committed occurred in towns from Norridgewock to the Forks," Gottardi said.

"There were several crimes that occurred where there were several of these persons reported together committing the crimes.

"They each have a new charge in addition to the home invasion charge. Some of the persons that are named may be involved in the majority or a lot of the crimes."

A joint investigation involving the sheriff's department, state police and Skowhegan police has been initiated, Gottardi said, to share intelligence and locate all areas in which crimes were committed.

"Once all areas are identified, as to who handled the cases, and the owners are notified, the entire case will be turned over to the district attorney's office, for review and prosecution," he said.

Doug Harlow -- 474-9534, ext. 342

dharlow@centralmaine.com