Copper thief caught stealing from former employer, New Rochelle police say

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 20, 2024) — On June 19, at approximately 1:10 a.m., New Rochelle Police responded to Richie Brothers Heating and Air Conditioning, located at 91 Plain Avenue, following a report of a burglary .

The owner observed, through a ring camera, a suspect attempting to steal copper from the property.

New Rochelle police officers arrived on scene and found an open door to the basement and detected movement inside the building. Moments later, officers were able to get the suspect to walk towards the door and surrender without further incident.

The suspect was a former employee of the business and later admitted to detectives that he had committed other unreported burglaries at the same location.

Arrest and charges:

James M. Hoch, 43, of New Rochelle, New York.

• Burglary – 2, a C Felony
• Possession of burglar’s tools, a misdemeanor
• Criminal possession of a controlled substance – 7, a misdemeanor

Charges for other burglaries remain under investigation.