ERIN, NY — A 47-year-old man has been arrested on felony burglary and larceny charges following an investigation into items stolen during an eviction.
Thomas J. Decker of Wellsburg was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree and grand larceny in the 3rd degree, both class D felonies, as well as criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree, a class A misdemeanor, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
On Jan. 2, 2026, the sheriff’s office civil division executed an eviction order at a residence in the town of Erin.
During the eviction, deputies were notified that multiple items were stolen from a building on the property.
The criminal investigation division continued the investigation and determined that Decker had unlawfully entered the building and stole multiple items inside.
Investigators followed various leads and were able to recover property from various locations in Chemung County and return the items to the owner.
An arrest warrant was issued out of the town of Erin court for Decker, who was subsequently located and arrested in the village of Wellsburg.
Decker was arraigned in the town of Erin court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail.
