Overnight burglary at counseling center is under investigation

By Aida Ahmed

Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 | 11:23 a.m.

The Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada was burglarized early this morning, according to its director of operations.

Antioco Carrillo got a call about 4 a.m. from ADT Security Services notifying him that an alarm went off at the building at 714 E. Sahara Ave. Metro Police Lt. James Weiskopf said officers arrived at the scene to investigate the report.

“The police and the security company arrived by the time I got here,” Carrillo said.

When Carrillo assessed the damage he saw that a counselor’s office window had been smashed and several doors had been kicked in. He said he believes about $1,000 in cash was stolen from a safe deposit box and a cash register.

Carrillo said this wasn't the first time the center has been the target of a crime. In December, the organization's previous building was destroyed after an arsonist apparently set fire to it, officials have said.

“We just went through the trauma of relocating,” Carrillo said. “We’re not sure they’re related but it's hard not to feel they are.”

CCCSN development director Shaun Mollica said the building has security cameras but she hasn't yet looked at video.

Carrillo said he wants to make sure staff and patients don’t feel threatened at the center.

The counseling center averages 300 clients each week and offers outpatient treatment for alcohol, drugs and gambling, as well as mental health and sexual assault services.