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Teacher placed on leave after using toddler to steal prizes from game machine

Anthony Helinski 

SALEM, N.H. — The man who police say used a toddler to steal game prizes from a machine at a New Hampshire mall could be facing several charges, including endangerment of a child.

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Police in Salem, New Hampshire, have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Anthony Helinski, of Lawrence.

Theft from Mall at Rockingham Park

Attached is a video from the incident Saturday night at the Mall at Rockingham Park. The video has intentionally been blurred out to protect the identity of the involved children. Anyone who recognizes the suspect in this case is urged to call Detective Dempsey at 603-890-2343 or message us here on Facebook. Thank you!

Posted by Salem NH Police Department on Monday, September 17, 2018

After numerous tips led police to identify Helinski and an arrest warrant was sought Wednesday, he immediately turned himself in with his attorney.

Helinski was processed on three counts of theft by unauthorized taking, two counts of criminal trespass and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

He was released on personal recognizance after posting bail and is set to be arraigned Oct. 29 in the 10th Circuit Court District Division – Salem.

Helinski, a teacher at Doherty Middle School in Andover, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Nicole Kieser, the Director of Communications for Andover Public Schools. issued the following statement to WFXT regarding the case:

"One of our teachers at the Doherty Middle School was involved in an incident in Salem, NH last week. Andover Public Schools is fully cooperating with authorities. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation."