CORTLAND, NY — Two women have been arrested in connection with the fraudulent use of credit and debit cards from a lost wallet, according to the City of Cortland Police Department.
The victim reported on Feb. 8, 2026, that he had lost his black leather wallet while shopping at Riverside Plaza on Feb. 6, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m.
He later discovered multiple unauthorized transactions on his credit cards totaling $474.02.
The fraudulent charges occurred at several local businesses, including P & C Fresh, Family Dollar, 7 Eleven, BRU 64, Student’s Finest Convenience and Area 51.
Police conducted an investigation that included reviewing store surveillance footage, collecting receipts and interviewing witnesses.
Officers identified two suspects, Rebecca Robitaille, 38, of Cortland, and Erika Pantone, 45, of Cortland, in connection with the unauthorized purchases.
Surveillance footage from multiple businesses showed the suspects using the stolen credit cards to purchase merchandise.
Additional video evidence captured one suspect concealing unpaid merchandise inside a local business.
On Feb. 9, 2026, officers recovered the wallet during an unrelated arrest and later returned it to the victim.
Pantone was taken into custody on Feb. 21, 2026.
Robitaille was arrested on Feb. 24, 2026.
Both suspects were charged with identity theft in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, petit larceny and conspiracy in the fifth degree.
Pantone was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in City Court on March 9, 2026.
Robitaille had additional outstanding unrelated warrants and was arraigned and sent to the Cortland County Jail.
She is scheduled to appear in City Court on March 4, 2026.
