SHERBURNE – A Chenango County grand jury has indicted 50-year-old Andrew E. Frank Jr. with several felonies relating to a wave of commercial break-ins in downtown Sherburne last year.

Frank allegedly broke into the businesses during the dark a.m. hours of November and December, stealing small amounts of money and costing victims much more in property damage.

Within two days of his alleged final burglary, Frank and a lesser co-conspirator, 49-year-old Rena Jones, were arrested by detectives from the Chenango County Sheriff's Office on December 7, 2022. Police also had warrants to search the suspects' residence.

Chenango County Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting said police had been investigating the burglary spree for weeks and collected evidence, including from security cameras, that led officers to the suspects.

“The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many members of the community for their assistance throughout the investigation,” said Cutting.

Frank was arraigned in court and remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility with no bail. Rena was released on an appearance ticket for Village of Sherburne Court.

Frank was indicted on three counts of third degree burglary, Class D felonies; three counts of third degree criminal mischief, Class E felonies; one count of attempt third degree burglary, a Class E felony; and three counts of misdemeanor petit larceny.

Jones has been indicted with one felony, third degree burglary, for her role in one of the break-ins.

The grand jury alleges:

At about 4 a.m. on November 14, Frank allegedly broke into the Sherburne Diner and stole $250 worth of coins, causing an estimated $350 worth of damages to a door and wall.

He was charged with third degree burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and petit larceny for that incident.

At just past midnight on November 22, Frank and Jones unlawfully entered Judy's Coffee Shop in Sherburne and stole $100 worth of coins.

Frank was charged with third degree burglary and petit larceny for that incident.

Again, at about 4 a.m. on December 5, Frank allegedly broke into Moore's Tires and stole $140, causing about $1,000 in damages by breaking a window.

He was charged with third degree burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and petit larceny for that incident.

About an hour later on that same morning at about 5 a.m. on Dec. 5, he also allegedly attempted to break into Gilligan's Island. He did not gain entry into the building but caused about $300 in damages to a window.

He was charge with third degree attempted burglary and third degree criminal mischief for that incident.

All crimes described are allegations, and suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.