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

SALEM, New Hampshire — 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.

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

After numerous tips, police identified Helinski and an arrest warrant was sought on 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 on 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 Boston 25 News 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."

Cox Media Group