Stolen Heavy Equipment Found Hidden in Columbia County

Police say that two Columbia County men were in possession of stolen heavy equipment.

State Police responded to an address in the Town of Copake,for a possible sighting of a stolen Bobcat 335 excavator and Cam Super Line trailer. The total value of the stolen equipment was approximately $36,000.

The heavy equipment was reported stolen from the Town of Broome, Schoharie County. Further investigation confirmed that the heavy equipment was in fact stolen, and hidden on a rural property in the Town of Copake.

Jeremiah J. Simpson, 39, and Thomas R. Puff, 47, both of the Town of Copake were arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property third-degree, a class D felony.

Both men were arraigned and remanded to Columbia County Jail. Puff is being held in lieu of  $10,000 cash bail, or $20,000 bond. While Simpson is being held on $20,000 cash bail, or $40,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the State Police- Bureau of Criminal Investigation at SP Livingston: 518-851-2893.