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Dunkin' Donuts Manager Steals Thousands In After-Hour Heists In Capital Region: Police
A Dunkin’ Donuts manager is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her store.
Heidi Howe, 46, of Ballston Spa, was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 10, following an investigation into multiple thefts reported at a Ballston Spa Dunkin’ store, New York State Police said.
Troopers concluded that Howe, who managed the location, entered the store after hours without authorization on several occasions in December 2024 and January 2025, police said. Altogether, she stole more than $3,000 in cash, according to police.
Howe was located by Washington County Sheriff’s deputies and turned over to St…
State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents In Capital Region, Police Say
Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region.
The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Officials identified the defendants as:
Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady
Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady
Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk
An investigation found that all three women stole debit card …
Serial Car Prowler Busted Thanks To Surveillance Footage From Capital Region Victims, Cops Say
An accused serial car prowler in the Capital Region is behind bars thanks to incriminating evidence from the victims.
Albany County resident Christopher White, 36, of Cohoes, was arrested Thursday, Jan. 23, in connection with a string of car break-ins in Colonie dating back to Christmas 2024, Colonie Police said.
While riding his bike through residential neighborhoods near the Colonie Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path, White stole numerous belongings from unlocked vehicles, including cash, gift cards, and personal property, police alleged.
Several break-ins occurred during the overnight hours on Chr…
Bookkeeper Accused Of Stealing $10K From Business In Schaghticoke
A 38-year-old bookkeeper has been charged with grand larceny and other offenses after allegedly stealing more than $10,000 from a Capital Region business, police said.
Rensselaer County resident Tara A. Cottrell, age 38, of Pittstown, was arrested on Sunday, Dec. 22 following an investigation that began on Monday, Dec. 16, when troopers received a theft complaint from a Schaghticoke business, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 26.
Authorities determined that during the summer and fall of 2023, Cottrell, who was employed as a bookkeeper, allegedly falsifie…
Capital Region Man Charged In Halfmoon Burglary After $3,000 Theft, Police Say
A Capital Region man has been charged with burglary after allegedly stealing over $3,000 worth of materials from a storage container in Halfmoon, police report.
New York State Police announced the arrest of Ron D. Vandenburgh, 36, of Latham, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, following a warrant for his alleged involvement in a burglary and theft in Halfmoon.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 21, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Investigators determined Vandenburgh unlawfully entered a property and used a power tool to damage and remove a lock from a storage container. He then allegedl…
Capital Region Man Nabbed On Multiple Fraudulent Check Warrants
New York State Police nabbed a Capital Region man wanted on numerous warrants for allegedly cashing fraudulent checks worth more than $4,000.
Terrance M. Lee, 35, of Troy in Rensselaer County, was charged on Monday, Dec. 9, with four counts of possession of a forged instrument, two counts of grand larceny, and two counts of petit larceny.
According to Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, the arrest resolves four open investigations into Lee. On Saturday, Sept. 14, Lee allegedly possessed fraudulent checks and deposited them in Albany and Rensselaer counties. His reported crimes resulted in the theft o…
Fire Company Financial Secretary In Region Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
A financial secretary for a fire company in the region has admitted to stealing more than $17,000 from the department.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty to grand larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Middletown.
As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said.
The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which includ…
NY Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man who authorities say impersonated a federal agent and used fear and intimidation to convince a Long Island victim to hand over money.
On Friday, Oct. 25, the suspect, Om Parkash, age 31, of Queens, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony).
In late July of 2023, Parkash contacted the victim in Sag Harbor stating she was involved in a fraud scheme involving large amounts of money, according to New York State Police.
From there, Parkash advised the victim she would have to give money to “federal a…
Teen Runaway Nabbed For Stealing Cars, Burglary, Theft, Police Say
A 16-year-old runaway in the region has been nabbed for allegedly stealing two vehicles, burglary, and theft.
The arrest occurred in Ulster County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the town of Lloyd.
According to Lloyd Police Chief James Janso, the Lake Katrine teen was charged after a month-long investigation found the boy allegedly stole two vehicles, entered a residence, stole a cell phone and iPad, and took alcohol from a convenience store in Highland.
The teen was charged with
Burglary
Grand larceny, fourth-degree
Grand larceny, third-degree, two counts
Petit larceny.
Janso said as an adolesc…
Man Posing As Attorney Scams Thousands From Victim, NY State Police Say
A man from the region has been accused of posing as an attorney and targeting victims, including one he allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars.
The New York State Police have reported that an investigation has revealed that Northern Westchester County resident David Karaca, 56, of Somers, impersonated a lawyer in a virtual Alcoholics Anonymous group based in Los Angeles.
Karaca, also known as David Radcliffe and David Corazza, defrauded a victim of $7,500 for legal fees despite not being a licensed attorney, said police.
Karaca has been charged with grand larceny, a Class…
Man From Region Nabbed For Commercial Burglary, Police Say
A man from the region has been charged with two counts of burglary for allegedly breaking into the same business twice and stealing property.
The incidents occurred in Sullivan County at the Taam Eden Baker at Mountain Square Mall in Monticello on Tuesday, Aug. 27, and Thursday, Aug. 29.
According to Monticello Police Lt. Mark Johnstone, Ishmiel Agapito, age 24, of Monticello, was charged on Monday, Sept. 2, following an investigation.
Johnstone said Agapito was caught on surveillance forcing his way in through a rear door and stole property from inside the business.
He was cha…
Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say
Sympathizers donated thousands after his popular butcher shop went up in flames, but it turns out the owner himself was to blame, police said.
Washington County resident Cody Shields, age 33, of Argyle, was arrested on suspicion of arson Wednesday, July 24, in connection with a fire that destroyed his Albany County business, The Big Body Butcher Shop in Colonie.
The Central Avenue business was gutted when flames broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Earlier Report: 'I'm Devastated': Community Rallying For Colonie Butcher Shop Destroyed By Fire
Shields called 911 …
2 Suspects Posing As Law Enforcement Nabbed In Hudson Valley $27K Phone Scam
Two suspects from New Jersey posing as law enforcement authorities in New York were nabbed after allegedly scamming residents out of $27,000.
The Hudson Valley incident occurred in Dutchess County on Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19.
According to Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Vivek B. Shingarakhia, age 24, and Kishan Gajera, age 31, both of Jersey City, in connection with the investigation into a phone scam that was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday, June 19.
Watterson said the victims reported to sheriff’s deputies that they susp…
