Fresh!

The two benches stripped of aluminum will cost about $7,000 to replace.SUBMITTED BY JOHN S. SELINGER, ESQ.

On Jan. 30, after a regular inspection of Cortlandt American Little League's fields, it was discovered that two of the spectator benches were completely stripped.  A member of the CALL Board of Directors, Debbie Duren, put a local recycling plant on notice to look out for the aluminum benches. 

The recycling plant is Brookfield Resource Management, located in Montrose.  Brookfield also happens to be the "league sponsor" of Cortlandt American Little League, donating thousands of dollars to support the League each year.

Brookfield employees were aware of an individual who brought in several benches.  Brookfield had video as well as identification of the suspect.  Cortlandt American Little League Board contacted the state police, who gathered evidence from Brookfield to prepare charges for the arrest of the suspect.

While the investigation was being completed, the suspect came to Brookfield to recycle six more benches.  Brookfield immediately contacted the state police and they caught the suspect red-handed  It appeared the benches were removed from the ballfield at Sprout Brook Park. 

While Cortlandt American Little League is pleased the suspect was caught,  CALL president Ron Lyman is disappointed the benches were already destroyed.   The league had its clubhouse destroyed by fire last year and rebuilding efforts cost the community tens of thousands of dollars.  The benches will cost about $7,000 to replace.

The suspect reportedly has been charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a felony.

Brookfield Resource Management in Montrose, a sponsor of Cortlandt American Little League, notified police when someone brought in aluminum benches.