Alleged copper thieves busted at Homowack Resort

Four Rockland County residents have been arrested and charged with burglary after an investigation into several copper piping thefts at seasonal properties along the border of Sullivan and Ulster County, state police announced Monday.

Arrested were 22-year-old Jason Sandoval, 18-year-old Noe Monroy-Lemus, 18-year-old Lenin Chicaiza, and an unnamed 16-year-old. All four are residents of Spring Valley.

Police say an Ellenville trooper discovered the suspects attempting to enter a building on the vacant Homowack Resort, whereupon three of the four fled into the woods. They were later apprehended with the help of K9 units and the Department of Enviromental Conservation.

The four face charges of third-degree attempted burglary, a felony, and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. Sandoval and the 16-year-old also face charges in connection with a September burglary at the Homowack Resort.

The defendents were arraigned by Town of Mamakating Justice Marcelle Matthews and remanded to Sullivan County Jial in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or bond. They will reappear in Mamakating court on October 25.