Police: Man Stole Over $18,000 From Hudson Valley Grocery Store

A Hudson Valley man who's accused of stealing over $18,000 from a local grocery store on Christmas was found and arrested at a casino.

On Dec. 25, a man allegedly entered the Pecks Market grocery store on Proctor Road in Eldred and stole over $18,000 in cash. Following an investigation, police allege 54-year-old Gary Klopchin of Eldred, an employee at the business, entered the business and removed the cash from a safe.

On Dec. 26, New York State Police investigators learned Klopchin was staying in a room at a casino in Wilkes Barre, PA. With the help of the Pennsylvania State Police and Plains Township Police Department he was detained until the New York State Police arrived.

Klopchin was arrested as a fugitive from justice and remanded to the Luzerne County Prison in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

Weeks later, New York State Police investigators patrolled to the Luzerne Correctional Facility and took Klopchin into custody. He was later arraigned at the Sullivan County Court and released on his own recognizance. He was charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony.

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