It took local authorities nearly three weeks to crack the case connected to 35 smashed mailboxes last month.

Earlier this week, the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office posted a press release on its Facebook page revealing that authorities had obtained an arrest warrant for Robert Finch, 19, of Cortez, on charges of criminal mischief. An unnamed juvenile suspect has also been connected to the case.

“Solving this crime was due in large part to an excellent working relationship between the citizens of Montezuma County and the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office,” the Facebook post says.

Authorities believe that Finch and the juvenile were responsible for damaging 35 mailboxes across Montezuma County on Oct. 11 and 12th. Total damages were estimated at more than $1,000.

According to the Facebook post, authorities received a tip on Halloween leading them to Finch and the juvenile.

tbaker@the-journal.com