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UTICA, NY – Utica Police Department received a report of a wallet and purse theft from a vehicle on Stark Street on November 24th, 2025. The case was investigated following reports of unauthorized use of the victim’s credit cards at multiple locations. Utica Police’s Criminal Investigations Division, with Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center and Patrol Division assistance, identified a suspect from surveillance footage.
Officers located 25-year-old Joel Rodriguez on Tuesday, taking him into the department for questioning. Rodriguez faces charges including two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree, two counts of Identity Theft in the second degree, and Petit Larceny.
