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2 Men From Region Nabbed Cutting Copper Pipes Off Heating Unit, Police Say

Two men from the region were charged with felony burglary after allegedly being caught inside a home cutting copper pipes off of a heating system.

Richard Galeano and Damien Somolinos

Richard Galeano and Damien Somolinos

Photo Credit: Sullivan County Sheriff's Office

The incident occurred in Sullivan County around 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 1 in the town of Thompson at 409 Rock Hill Drive.

According to Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and found the two men identified as Damien Somolinos, age 34, and Richard Galeano, Jr, age 51, both of Rock Hill, inside a residence, cutting copper pipes off of the heating system.

 The two suspects were charged with:

  • Felony burglary
  • Criminal mischief
  • Possession of burglar tools. 

Additionally, Somolinos was found with methamphetamine and was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, Chaboty said.

Both were released on appearance tickets.

Sheriff Mike Schiff said that this was a prime example of “if you see something, say something. These burglars were caught because their suspicious activity was quickly reported to 911."

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