Local resident from Northern Oneida County charged for allegedly stealing political sign in town of Lee

LEE- A local resident is charged for allegedly stealing a political sign in Oneida County.

The arrest of Joseph A. Mooney, 54, of Ava, NY on Wednesday was made after State Police investigators reviewed some trail camera footage.

Mooney is formally charged with petit larceny.

Last Friday, Troopers looked into a complaint from a person running for Town of Lee Supervisor, who stated one of his political signs was stolen from the lawn of a friend’s property in the town of Lee.

After a quick scan of the area, Troopers found the sign tossed in a dumpster at a neighboring business, which police soon learned is reportedly owned by the complainant’s political opponent, Joseph Mooney.

The sign was replaced back on the lawn and the homeowner set up a nearby trail camera.

The following Wednesday, State Police received an additional call from the property owner claiming that the political sign was stolen, again, but that the suspect had been caught on the trail camera.

After interviewing with the property owner and reviewing the said footage, Troopers had enough evidence to arrest and charge Mooney.

Following processing, Mooney was released with an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Lee Court at a later date.

NYSP image.