MONTICELLO – Two people were arrested on Saturday, January 22 at about 11:15 p.m. after they were stopped in Monticello while driving a stolen car.
The Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a car that had just been stolen out of a driveway on Route 42 South in the Town of Thompson.
The white 2018 Chrysler 300 sedan was spotted by deputies 15 minutes later and stopped on North Street in the village after it attempted to elude them near the John Crawford Houses.
Arrested in the vehicle was the driver, Michael Mackawgy, 24, of Binghamton. He was in the company of Christine Kearney, 19, of Forestburgh.
Both suspects were taken into custody and charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property and misdemeanor petit larceny.
Deputies learned that the pair had rifled through several unlocked cars and took property prior to stealing the Chrysler. Deputies also found out that Mackawgy is currently on parole for burglary.
Under the state’s new parole and bail reform rules, both Mackawgy and Kearney were released on appearance tickets returnable to Thompson Town Court.
Sheriff Mike Schiff said that Sullivan County has seen a rash of stolen car cases lately. The sheriff asks that all residents remain vigilant, remove valuables and lock up their vehicles when not in use. “If you see any suspicious persons or activity, don’t be afraid to call 911,” he said.
