On Aug. 7, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect on charges related to the burglaries of two Chenango County gas stations in October 2022. (Photo by Lilli Iannella)

NORWICH– Following an almost year-long investigation into the burglary of two Chenango County gas stations in October 2022, the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect, who they found to have stolen almost $10,000 worth of tobacco products.

Robert E. Colson, 52, of Norwich, was charged with two counts of third-degree burglary, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, third-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree grand larceny.

On Aug. 7, Colson was arrested on the felony-level indictment charges related to the burglaries while he was incarcerated at the Chenango County Correctional Facility on separate charges related to the burglary of A&R Smoke Shop in the City of Norwich in April, said Detective Sgt. Chad O’Hara of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.

Colson was arraigned in Chenango County Court and remanded back to the Chenango County Correctional Facility. He is also scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

O’Hara said each burglary at the gas stations was a “smash and grab,” where the suspect smashed out either the front door, window or main entrance of the businesses and stole tobacco products including cigarettes, chewing tobacco and vapes.