Police & Montgomery County Sheriff Team Up to Solve Multi-Town Larceny Spree

April 7, 2025 — Montgomery County, NY — In a joint effort that closed the loop on a string of metal thefts and property damage across multiple towns, the New York State Police, with assistance from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Ricky A. Hemstreet II, 26, of Johnstown, NY, on April 4.

Hemstreet faces a slew of charges, including:

• Three counts of Grand Larceny in the 3rd degree

• Criminal Mischief in the 2nd and 3rd degrees

• Petit Larceny

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th degree

The arrest stems from an in-depth investigation into a series of Walmart thefts and large-scale wire and metal material larcenies dating from February to April 2025. Incidents were reported in Amsterdam, the village of Cobleskill, Florida, and Fonda, NY.

Authorities allege Hemstreet not only stole utility-installed wires from multiple properties, but also caused significant damage during the thefts—damage that disrupted essential infrastructure. He then reportedly sold the stolen materials for cash at a local scrap yard.

Hemstreet was taken into custody by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office following a similar investigation. After processing, he was arraigned in Mohawk Town Court and remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility without bail.

The successful arrest highlights ongoing collaboration between local law enforcement agencies to crack down on property crime in upstate communities. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming.