UTICA, NY – A 41-year-old man has been charged in connection with a March purse theft in Utica, after attempting to use the victim’s ID to make a purchase at a convenience store, police announced.
The incident occurred on March 16 on the 1100 block of Schuyler Street, where a purse containing credit cards and identification was reported stolen. During the investigation, authorities learned the suspect tried to buy cigarettes using the stolen ID, but the transaction was denied when the store clerk noticed the photo didn’t match.
The victim was informed of the attempted use, and later encountered the suspect near the same store. After a brief altercation, the victim was able to recover some of the stolen items.
The Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division identified the suspect as Fonta Young. On April 2, Young was taken into custody.
He is now facing multiple charges, including two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Petit Larceny.
Key Points
- Purse stolen March 16 on Schuyler Street in Utica
- Suspect attempted to use stolen ID at local store, clerk refused sale
- Fonta Young, 41, arrested April 2 and charged with multiple larcenies