VERONA, NY — A Vernon man was arrested Jan. 8 in connection with a stolen property complaint, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol.
A road patrol deputy was dispatched to the town of Verona on Nov. 11, 2025, for a stolen property complaint.
Through investigation, the deputy learned the victim’s credit card had been used by the suspect without the owner’s consent.
The suspect had used the credit card to purchase gift cards at Lowe’s locations in both Utica and New Hartford, with total purchases of $1,247.70.
The investigation was turned over to members of the Oneida County Criminal Investigations Unit.
Investigators learned the suspect, Howard Love Jr., 53, of Vernon, made two purchases on Oct. 30, 2025, one at the New Hartford Lowe’s and one at the Utica Lowe’s, and made another purchase at the New Hartford Lowe’s on Oct. 31, 2025, all without the credit card owner’s consent.
Love was charged with one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class E felony.
Love was escorted to the Oneida County Correctional Facility to await CAP Court.
