State police arrest three youths in criminal mischief spree

MONROE-State Police have charged three teenagers with causing $1,500 worth of damage to cars, mailboxes and a window to a house in Cromwell Hill Road, the Round Lake Park development and the Lake Manor development areas in the town of Monroe. The criminal mischief began in the early hours of July 6, when State Police at the Monroe barracks began receiving reports of tires slashed, vehicle windows smashed, numerous mailboxes damaged and a broken front window at one home. In all, police said they received eight complaints. Trooper Matthew Forestire received the initial complaints and began conducting neighborhood interviews. He also contacted several local police departments, although none reported any type of similar activity. Over the course of the investigation, Trooper Jason Grabowski, as well as Troopers Brian Scholl, Christopher Jackson and Frank Sun, conducted neighborhood interviews in search of leads. Meanwhile, on July 11, Trooper Peter Cirigliano, while investigating an unrelated incident in the Village of Kiryas Joel, developed a lead. On July 15 and 16, Forestire and Cirigliano were able to complete arrests and obtaining written confessions from three suspects, according to a State Police press release. The suspects - a 16-year-old male from Harriman, a 16-year-old male from Monroe and an 18-year-old male from Monroe - were charged with third-degree criminal mischief. The 16-year-old from Monroe also was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. All three were issued appearance tickets returnable July 21 before Monroe Town Justice Morton Marshak. Police said other arrests are pending. Police also ask that any other victims of the crime to contact Forestire at the Monroe barracks at 782-8311.