Manhattan Man Admits To Stealing $4K In Thermostats From Home Depot

CARMEL, NY — A Manhattan man has admitted to a scheme to smuggle pricey equipment out of a Hudson Valley home improvement store without paying for the items.

Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy announced that 38-year-old Tyrell Reynolds, of Manhattan, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, to fourth-degree grand larceny.

On August 24, 2024, Putnam County Sheriff deputies responded to the Home Depot on Independent Way, in the Town of Southeast, after receiving a report of the theft of smart home thermostats valued at $3,956.61.

Deputies interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance videos which showed Reynolds taking several smart thermostats, hiding them in a black bin, and walking out of the store, officials said. He was confronted by loss prevention staff outside the store, but he fled the scene before sheriff’s deputies could arrive, according to authorities.

After an investigation by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Reynolds was located and arrested. He will be sentenced on May 13, to a period of two to four years in state prison.

"Retail thefts are becoming increasingly common in New York and thieves are becoming more brazen in how much they steal and how they steal it," Tendy said. "We won’t let this happen in Putnam County. If you get caught, you’re going to pay for it. We have to protect our local businesses."