Poughkeepsie Duo Caught Stealing From Former New York School

Two individuals from Poughkeepsie, NY were recently caught red-handed stealing copper from a former school.

The saying goes "right place, right time" and according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office that is exactly what happened when Lieutenant Heath Benansky allegedly observed a crime in progress at former Roe Jan School at 9065 Route 22 in Copake, New York.

Two Caught Red-Handed Stealing Copper

According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Heath Benansky observed the crime in progress as he was investigating an unoccupied vehicle that was parked by the former school. While Lt. Benansky checked the vehicle he noticed a nearby window that looked broken and as he looked inside he saw two individuals inside the school carrying copper pipes and copper wires.

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Lt. Benansky detained the two individuals and after investigating, identified them as 41-year-old Salvatore Daniel and 37-year-old Audra Daniele both from Poughkeepsie, New York according to News 10. Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and attempted petit larceny. They were arraigned at the Town of Claverack Court and released on their own recognizance. Both are due back in the Town of Claverack Court on November 27th, 2023 to answer the charges.

Stealing Copper is Common?

Many Hudson Valley police agencies have reported over the years that abandoned buildings and new construction sites are often targeted by criminals because the sites often times have valuable copper items that are easily stolen and sold at scrap yards for cash. Copper can fetch anyone selling it at scrap yards anywhere from $2-$5 per pound, depending on the scrap yard.

In any criminal case, all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.