5 Arrested by Cortland Police After Motorcycle Theft Investigation – Involves Same Suspect Who Led Police on Multi-County Car Chase Last Week

Back on May 3rd of this year, Cortland Police began an investigation into the theft of two motorcycles and an investigation into an attempted theft of a third motorcycle from Jefferson Road in the City of Cortland.

Cortland Police say around 2:20 in the morning, the suspects were seen on video surveillance stealing two Kawasaki motorcycles and then attempting to steal a third. The third motorcycle was damaged as a result of the attempted theft. Cortland Police say both stolen motorcycles had a value of $13,000 each.

The investigation identified the suspects as 27 year old Jacob M. Conklin, 35 year old Joshua F. Conklin, and 25 year old Zoey J. Henry.

A continuation of the investigation led to the location of the stolen motorcycles inside a barn in Groton. Cortland Police say Joshua Conklin was in City Court on July 3rd to face his initial charges in the case, during his appearance, he fled from the courtroom.

Several days later, Joshua Conklin was apprehended by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office after a multi-county vehicle pursuit and foot chase. Cortland Police Jacob Conklin was taken into custody by police in Tioga County during a traffic stop. He also had a warrant out of Tompkins County. Cortland Police say Zoey Henry was inside the vehicle during the original theft of the motorcycles.

The investigation also found 37 year old Cassandra L. Kelly had reported her van stolen and provided a written statement regarding the theft to police. Cortland Police say Kelly knew who had her van, which was used in the theft of the motorcycles. Another person, 26 year old Kaylei P. Searles also provided a false written statement to police regarding the investigation.

All five are facing charges, which can be seen below:

Jacob Conklin

• Grand Larceny 3 rd Degree D Felony (2 counts)
• Crim. Poss. Stolen Property 3 rd D Felony (2 counts)
• Crim. Poss. Stolen Property 4 th E Felony
• Grand Larceny 4 th E Felony
• Criminal Mischief 3 rd E Felony
• Criminal Mischief 2 nd D Felony ( 2 counts)
• Conspiracy 5 th A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Burglar’s Tools A Misdemeanor

Joshua Conklin

• Grand Larceny 3 rd Degree D Felony (2 counts)
• Crim. Poss. Stolen Property 3 rd D Felony (2 counts)
• Crim. Poss. Stolen Property 4 th E Felony
• Grand Larceny 4 th E Felony
• Criminal Mischief 2 nd D Felony ( 2 counts)
• Conspiracy 5 th A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Burglar’s Tools A Misdemeanor
• Driving While Intoxicated – Drugs A Misdemeanor

Cassandra L. Kelly was charged with Falsely reporting an incident, a Misdemeanor. Kaylei P. Searles was charged with Filing a false written statement, a Misdemeanor and Zoey J. Henry was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.

Both Jacob and Joshua are in custody at Tompkins County Jail waiting on future court appearances. Kelly, Searles, and Henry were released with court dates at a later time.