Three charged in burglary of Coffee Mania, Doug's Powersports Unlimited

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Three people have been arrested in connection with burglary investigations at two Cortland area businesses, the Cortland County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday.

On Jan. 9, 2019, officers took burglary complaints from Doug's Powersports Unlimited, located at 4019 West Road/Route 281, and the Coffee Mania drive-thru stand on Groton Avenue. Both businesses sustained "substantial damage" from what appeared to be burglary attempts, according to Sgt. Anthony D. Phelps with the sheriff's office.

The perpetrator(s) were unable to gain access to Doug's Powersports; however, they were able to get inside the Coffee Mania stand and take an undisclosed amount of cash along with some merchandise, Sgt. Phelps said.

Investigators also learned that the three individuals entered the Grace Christian Fellowship Church in Cortlandville during off-hours while the church was closed to the public.

Authorities have charged 19-year-old Thomas M. Shutts, of Cortland; a 17-year-old who lives on Homer Avenue; and a 16-year-old who lives on Clinton Street. The three were charged with felonies of burglary, criminal mischief, and attempted burglary, along with misdemeanors of conspiracy and endangering the welfare of a child.

Shutts was arraigned in Cortlandville Town Court and released, with a future court date of May 20. The 17-year-old was taken into custody from his home and brought to Cortlandville Town Court back in February.

The 16-year-old was arraigned as a juvenile in Cortland County Court and released. A future court date has not been set.