NEW HARTFORD, NY — Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a January burglary at the New Hartford Recreation Center.
Erin Gillespie, 42, of Clayville, was taken into custody May 20 following a months-long investigation into the break-in at the facility on Mill Street.
Officers responded to the recreation center at 4 Mill Street on Jan. 11 after employees discovered a locked office had been forcibly entered overnight.
Police determined the suspect used tools to force entry into the office, causing substantial damage to the door and surrounding area.
Approximately $4,000 in cash was stolen during the incident.
Evidence technicians processed the scene and recovered multiple items believed to be connected to the burglary.
Investigators conducted interviews with employees and witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage from multiple locations in the area.
Police worked with the New York State Police Crime Laboratory throughout the investigation.
Laboratory testing produced a DNA profile from evidence that matched a suspect through the Combined DNA Index System.
An arrest warrant was obtained for Gillespie as the investigation progressed.
The United States Marshals Service – NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Gillespie in Clayville on the warrant.
Gillespie was transported to the New Hartford Police Department and processed before being held in the Oneida County Jail to await arraignment.
She has been charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree criminal mischief.
