FARMINGTON — After finding DNA evidence on some stolen lip balm, police issued warrants Wednesday for two area residents in connection with a burglary earlier this year.

Ryan G. Feeney, 36, who previously resided on Main Street in Milton or on Route 11 in Farmington, faces a felony burglary charge. Jacqueline D. Meyer, 45, who previously resided on Main Street in Milton Mills, faces a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property. Both charges stem from a Jan. 31 burglary at a Cross Road residence.

Interim Police Chief Kevin Willey said burglaries take time to investigate. While other members of the department provided assistance, three officers, including Detective Brian Driscoll, were directly involved in the investigation, which took several months to process evidence, interview witnesses, visit pawn shows and prepare warrants and affidavits.

As part of the investigation, police identified Feeney and Meyer as possible suspects. After obtaining a search warrant, officers found an undisclosed amount of stolen items,including the lip balm, at Meyer’s residence in Milton.

Police obtained a DNA sample from the Cross Road resident, which was submitted to the state laboratory, and it was enough to tie the lip balm to the Farmington burglary. Investigators received the results Tuesday and applied for warrants the following day, according to police.

Willey said the lip balm was the only item police could tie to Meyer, but continue to investigate the matter.

“Warrants will be served as time allows. Since Feeney is incarcerated and Meyer is being monitored, there is not a huge rush,” Willey said in an e-mail, adding arraignments will be scheduled following their arrests.

Feeney is currently incarcerated at the Strafford County jail in Dover on an unrelated receiving stolen property conviction in Rochester. Meyer is being monitored by the Strafford County Community Corrections Program for an unrelated charge of receiving stolen property, stemming from another incident in Rochester, according to court records.

Burglary is a Class B Felony, which could yield up to 3½ to 7 years in prison. Receiving stolen property is a misdemeanor, which could result in up to a year in jail, if convicted.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Farmington Police at (603) 755-2731 or leave an anonymous message on the department’s Crimeline at (603) 755-9797.

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John Quinn may be reached at jquinn@newstote.com.