Police Bust Catalytic Converter Theft Ring In Hudson Valley

CLAVERACK, NY — An investigation into stolen catalytic converters led to the arrest of eight Hudson Valley residents Tuesday, while police are still searching for a ninth.

The New York State Police said, since December, troopers in Columbia County have been investigating several theft complaints in and around the Claverack area.

Police tracking local crime trends asked the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

As a result, authorities said, eight arrests were made Tuesday.

Through numerous search warrants, including one at a home on Route 217 in Claverack, and two vehicle traffic stops, police recovered stolen catalytic converters, power tools, binoculars and spotting scopes a dump trailer and a woodchipper.

Also seized were about 32.2 grams of cocaine, 4.3 grams of crack-cocaine, 2.7 grams of fentanyl, 9.9 grams of MDMA, 5.6 grams of amphetamine heroin mixture, 3.4 grams of fentanyl heroin mixture, 15.8 grams of lorazepam, 0.9 grams of clonazepam, 0/4 grams of alprazolam, dozens of oxycodone pills and a small amount of Percocet.

The following people were arrested:

Brad R. Hapeman, age 48, of Claverack:

• Five counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree – D felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 5thdegree - D felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal use of Drug Paraphernalia - A misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving - unclassified misdemeanor

Elizabeth Poulter, age 31, of Claverack:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

Tonya T. Perez, age 39, of Claverack:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4thdegree - C felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Criminal Nuisance in the 1st degree – E felony
• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 1st degree - E felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor
• Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd degree – A misdemeanor
• Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs – unclassified misdemeanor

Crawford Boice, age 29, of Ghent:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

Angela Bridgham, age 37, of Claverack:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

James P. Charron, age 23, of Claverack:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Criminal Nuisance in the 1st degree – E felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

Denise M. Charron, age 57, of Claverack:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Criminal Nuisance in the 1st degree – E felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

Nichole L. Spillane, age 24, of Hudson:

• Four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd degree - B felony
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd degree - D felony
• Conspiracy in the 5th degree – A misdemeanor
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree – A misdemeanor

They were arraigned in the Town of Claverack Court. Hapeman was sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday.

All the others were released on their own recognizance to appear in court July 12.

State police said an arrest warrant was issued and a search is ongoing for Robert E. Perez, 41, of Claverack, for felony charges stemming from the investigation.

Anyone with information about Perez should call the New York State Police immediately. Do not take any police action yourself other than calling 518-851-3111 or 845-677-7300. Reference case No. 10885236.

SEE ALSO: Cops Foil School-Bus Catalytic Converter Thefts