Tractor Supply Co. Fan Arrested After Stealing Over $20K In Equipment In 2 Jurisdictions: Police

NEW WINDSOR, NY — There are a lot of unique items for sale at Tractor Supply Co. stores, and police say a Hudson Valley man helped himself to items from stores across the region.

The New Windsor Police Department says that on Wednesday and Thursday, the Town of New Windsor Police Department and the Town of Crawford Police Department executed several search warrants after a multi-week joint investigation into larcenies of outdoor power equipment from Tractor Supply stores in both jurisdictions.

Police say 61-year-old Martin Hodge, of New Windsor, was arrested on Thursday. He was charged with felony third-degree grand larceny, felony fourth-degree grand larceny, felony third-degree criminal mischief, misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal mischief, and misdemeanor third-degree criminal trespass.

In addition, Hodge was charged as a fugitive from justice due to an outstanding grand larceny warrant in Connecticut.

He was arraigned at the Centralized Arraignment Part in Goshen and was released on his own recognizance for the New York charges. Hodge is due back in New Windsor Town Court on Nov. 25.

However, Hodge was held without bail on the fugitive from justice charge.

A judicially authorized search warrant at a Town of Cornwall location led to the recovery of a zero-turn lawn mower that had been reported stolen.

Another search warrant at a City of Newburgh location led to authorities recovering a snow blower that had been reported stolen. Police also found a large amount of stolen property, mostly branded hand tools, and power equipment.

The stolen property worth over $20,000 was seized and the investigation continues, police said.

"I commend the outstanding teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by the New Windsor Police Department and the Town of Crawford Police Department throughout this investigation," New Windsor Town Supervisor Stephen A. Bedetti said. "Their collaborative efforts, along with the crucial assistance provided by the the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Town of Cornwall Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney's Investigators, and the District Attorney's Office, led to the successful recovery of stolen property and the swift arrest of the suspect. This case is a clear example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared commitment to protecting our communities."

The Town of New Windsor Police Department and the Town of Crawford Police Department thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Town of Cornwall Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney's Office investigators, and the Orange County District Attorney's Office for their help with the investigation.

"Crimes like these, impact our residents and local businesses, and we will not tolerate them," New Windsor Police Department Chief Dan Valeri said. "The coordinated efforts that led to these arrest and the recovery of stolen property demonstrate the dedication of our officers to holding individuals accountable for crimes that impact our communities. We will continue to pursue every lead as this investigation moves forward."

"This investigation shows the outstanding level of teamwork among our law enforcement agencies," Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko said. "Because of that cooperation, we were able to recover stolen property and bring charges against the individual responsible. I'm proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by all involved."