Suspect Nabbed In Church Burglary, Vandalism In Town Of Ulster: Police

ULSTER, NY — The hunt for a suspect linked to a church break-in has come to an end.

The burglary at the the New Life Church at Swart Lane, off State Route 32, near the Town of Saugerties town line in the Town of Ulster has led to the arrest of a Rome man, according to the Ulster Police Department. Police said members of the department responded to the church on Aug. 22, for a report of a past-occurred burglary.

During the investigation, police learned that a suspect had forced his way into the church and stole property. The investigation then led patrol officers and detectives to coordinate with agencies in and adjacent to Ulster County.

With help from the community, police identified the suspect as Eric X. Martin, 32, of Rome. On Tuesday, Martin was taken into custody in a coordinated effort involving the Town of Saugerties Police, Town of Lloyd Police, Town of Newburgh Police and Town of New Windsor Police Department.

Before he was turned over to the Town of Ulster Police, Martin was processed on separate charges in the Town of Newburgh. Ulster police then charged him with felony burglary in the third degree, felony criminal mischief in the third degree and petit larceny.

Police are asking anyone with further information about the crimes to contact the Ulster Police Department at 845-382-1111.