Thieves Target Teen Cancer Patient

BOSTON -- Thieves in Vermont targeted the home of a young cancer patient while he was undergoing treatment in Boston.

NewsCenter 5's Mary Saladna reported Thursday that Jeff Cota is currently recovering from surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. The 17-year-old high school basketball star has osteosarcoma -- bone cancer in his leg.

While teammates and even opponents have rallied to his support, they are now outraged over news that Jeff has been victimized by thieves.

Jeff's sister, Katie Cota, discovered the crime when she came home from work on Sunday. His new XBox 360 and more than $1,000 worth of games and DVDs were missing from his room.

"I couldn't believe that someone would actually do that after everything that he's been through," Katie said. "They definitely knew that they were gone and that I was working. So, it's someone that we know."

Police said that they believe the suspects who broke into the Georgia, Vt., home had been in the home before and knew that Jeff had cancer and was in Boston getting treatment

"It was with cruel indifference that they entered the residence with the sole purpose of victimizing this individual," Vermont State Police Trooper Jay Riggen said.

Police said they do have some good leads involving current and former students at local high schools. Meanwhile, friends are pitching in, helping Jeff's family pay bills.

"Every single team on our schedule has donated," coach Chris Brown said.

When a local radio station shared Jeff's story Thursday, it was swamped with callers making donations to help Jeff and replace his stolen property.

One listener purchased a new Xbox 360 for Jeff and dropped it off at the radio station.