NEW HARTFORD, NY — A Utica man faces felony charges after police say he attempted to steal heavy equipment and sell it to an out-of-state buyer.
Charles M. Kapler, 35, of Utica, was arrested the morning of Feb. 14, 2026, in the rear parking lot of Slocum-Dickson Medical Group at 1729 Burrstone Road.
Police said the incident began at approximately 4 a.m. on Feb. 13, 2026, when someone attempted to steal a skid steer from the medical group’s parking lot.
The owner later discovered his New Holland skid steer had been moved and an attached extension cord for the skid steer heater had been damaged, causing approximately $80 in damage.
The skid steer and its accessories are valued in excess of $50,000.
Through investigation, police determined Kapler allegedly entered the skid steer, started the machine and attempted to load it onto a rental truck on Feb. 13, 2026.
On the morning of Feb. 14, 2026, a potential buyer traveled from out of state to the parking lot to purchase the same skid steer.
The buyer had been in contact with Kapler, who allegedly represented himself as the lawful owner and offered the equipment for sale for $12,000.
Slocum-Dickson staff were present in the area and noticed the buyer arriving.
When the buyer began discussing the purchase with staff and the owner, it became apparent Kapler did not have lawful ownership of the skid steer.
The lawful owner immediately contacted police.
Officers were advised Kapler was en route to meet the buyer and coordinated an operation in the area.
Kapler arrived as planned and was taken into custody without incident.
Police said Kapler had allegedly solicited the buyer through social media and attempted to fraudulently sell the equipment at a price significantly below its estimated value.
Officers also confirmed Kapler had an active arrest warrant issued by the Town of New Hartford Court for a separate larceny committed at The Home Depot on Dec. 5.
He was additionally charged in connection with that incident.
Kapler was charged with attempted grand larceny in the second degree, a class D felony, for the Feb. 13, 2026 incident; criminal mischief in the fourth degree, a class A misdemeanor; attempted grand larceny in the second degree, a class D felony, for the Feb. 14, 2026 incident; scheme to defraud in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; and petit larceny, a misdemeanor, related to the Dec. 5 incident at The Home Depot.
Kapler was processed at the New Hartford Police Department and transported to the Oneida County Jail to be held pending arraignment in The Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part Court.
