State Police charge two in string of larcenies

CAPITALREGION, N.Y. » New York State Police received a report of a larceny from Robinson’s Hardware in the town of New Scotland last month.

According to Troopers, two people were seen arriving at the store in a silver SUV after closing time and stealing a tow-behind log splitter. The same two then allegedly returned to the store that night and stole two generators, according to State Police.

Earlier this month, Troopers received another report that the same vehicle was at Robinson’s Hardware. They were further advised that the same two people were alleged to have stolen a snow blower a day earlier. Troopers arrived on scene and found Steven Lawless, 62 of Colonie, and Michael Barone, 49 of Watervliet, at the hardware store.

A check of Lawless’ SUV revealed that he had stolen license plates on the vehicle as well. Lawless and Barone were placed in custody and transported to State Police barracks Latham for processing.

Barone was charged with the misdemeanors of fifth- degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of petit larceny and three counts of third- degree criminal trespass.

Lawless was charged with two counts of felony fourth- degree grand larceny, two counts of misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and three counts of thirddegree criminal trespass.

Lawless was transported to the Clifton Park barracks for

two more larceny investigations.

He was additionally charged with felony thirddegree attempted grand larceny, felony third- degree grand larceny, three counts of misdemeanor fourth- degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor third- degree criminal trespass, stemming from a alleged separate larcenies at an Ace Hardware and at a Tractor Supply in Clifton Park.

Lawless was arraigned in the town of Clifton Park Court and remanded to Saratoga County Jail without bail.