MONTICELLO – A Monticello couple has been arrested by State Police following an armed break-in at a residence on Old Liberty Road in the Town of Thompson shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Friday, July 15.
The victim told troopers that he heard a knock on the door, and when he opened it, a woman asked for help. At that moment, a man pushed his way in while brandishing a machete and pocketknife.
The robbers demanded money and stole $110 from his pocket, his cell phone and keys to a 2008 Ford F-150 truck.
Before leaving, the man le robber struck the victim on the arm with the machete, causing a laceration.
The couple fled in the truck.
A short time later, troopers notified Monticello Police that they had two individuals who fit the description of the robbers. Police found James Smith, 44, and Stacey Wilson, 41, both of Bedford Avenue in Monticello, in possession of the keys from the stolen vehicle, which was later found in the parking lot of the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.
Both Smith and Wilson were charged with armed burglary and robbery, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
They were arraigned with Smith being remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail and Wilson being jailed in lieu of $200,000 cash bail, $400,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond.
State Police were assisted by the Monticello Police Department.
