Cops Make Arrest in Business Burglary

A 20-year-old Dutchess man is facing felony charges following the reported theft of items—worth more than $40,000—from a Patterson business, police say.

Dover resident Matthew G. Hoad allegedly stole "well-drilling equipment and related materials" from the establishment, according to a report released Thursday. The agency's investigators arrested the defendant after they found him in Poughkeepsie Sept. 7.

"On August 15, 2012, Sheriff’s deputies responded to the complainant’s establishment after the owner reported that his storage facility had been broken into at which time equipment and materials valued at approximately $43,000 was stolen," officials said in the statement.

Police believe Hoag sold the stolen items as scrap metal at a Dutchess County recycling business. He allegedly completed the theft over a three-week period.

Hoag is facing two felony charges: third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny. Following arraignment before Patterson Town Justice Anthony R. Molé, Hoag was sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond bail. 

The defendant posted bail. He's due in Patterson Justice Court Sept. 20.