LOUISVILLE, NY — New York State Police arrested three individuals on Nov. 24 following an investigation into an assault, robbery, kidnapping and arson.
John W. Santarsiero, 51, of Massena, was charged with second-degree assault, first-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, third-degree arson and fourth-degree conspiracy.
Matthew M. Howard, 46, of Massena, was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping and fourth-degree conspiracy.
Mariah I. Kocsis, 25, of Massena, was charged with fourth-degree conspiracy.
At approximately 12:46 a.m., state police and the Louisville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on State Highway 131.
After extinguishing the fire, troopers identified the vehicle’s owner and began an investigation.
Troopers located an injured man walking along State Highway 131.
Massena Rescue transported the victim to Massena Memorial Hospital for treatment.
An investigation determined the victim had gone to a residence on County Route 43 to meet with a woman.
While inside, he was assaulted with a hammer, had his belongings stolen and was forced into his own vehicle by two men.
The suspects later left the victim on an unknown street.
The victim subsequently discovered his vehicle on fire.
A search warrant executed at the residence led to the arrests of Santarsiero, Howard and Kocsis.
All three were transported to State Police Massena for processing.
Santarsiero was arraigned in Massena Town Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail or $300,000 bond.
Howard was arraigned in Massena Town Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail without bail.
Kocsis was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Louisville Town Court at a later date.
