Two students were arrested and charged Thursday night in connection with an investigation by the Office of Public Safety into numerous vehicle break-ins.
Sophomore Danielle Varricchio and freshman Jennifer Forman were arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree, a felony. Investigator Tom Dunn said the students were found in possession of numerous items of personal property believed to be stolen from vehicles parked at various locations on the Ithaca College campus. Dunn said they were released on their own recognizance.
According to New York state law, in order to be charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the 4th degree, the value of the property in possession must exceed $1,000, or must be made up of a credit card, debit card or public benefit card. The charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
Dunn said Public Safety was “easily able to identify” what items Varricchio and Forman possessed that fit the criteria given under the law.
Dunn said he did not know the exact number of vehicles that were broken into, but said Public Safety is working on finding a definite number.
Dunn said Public Safety possesses numerous personal items that are believed to be stolen property. He said he expects there to be more charges once people claim their property.
“The more charges will be pressed, the more victims we identify,” Dunn said.
Varricchio and Forman were issued an appearance ticket for Ithaca Town Court for arraignment Dec. 7.
If your vehicle appears to have been recently entered and/or you are missing personal property from your vehicle, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 274-3353 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.