Sullivan Man Arraigned In Christmas Day Grocery Theft

HIGHLAND, NY — State police arrested a Sullivan County man for stealing from a grocery store on Christmas Day. Gary Klopchin, 54, of Eldred, was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony.

Police said, on Dec. 25, Klopchin entered Pecks Market grocery store, which is located on Proctor Road in the Town of Highland, and took more than $18,000 in cash.

During the course of the investigation, police determined that Klopchin, who worked at the store, had entered the business and took the money from the safe.

On Dec. 26, police learned that Klopchin was staying in a room at a casino in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

With the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police and Plains Township Police Department, he was detained until the New York State Police arrived.

New York State Police went to the Luzerne County Prison in Wilkes-Barre Wednesday and took Klopchin into custody.

He was later arraigned at the Sullivan County Court and released on his own recognizance.

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