Cortland Police Arrest Woman For Numerous Vehicle Break-ins, Using Stolen Credit Cards – Found With Fentanyl During Arrest

Cortland Police say back on June 23rd, they responded to Evergreen Street in the City of Cortland for a reported vehicle break-in. The investigation into the break-in found several credit cards were stolen. Police say the credit cards were used at numerous locations in Cortland. Cortland Police were already investigating other vehicle thefts throughout the city.

Two months later, on August 23rd, police were called for another vehicle break-in on Groton Ave. A woman’s purse and several credit cards were stolen; the purse was later found, but without the credit cards. Again the stolen credit cards were used in the City of Cortland.

Investigators for Cortland Police say during their investigation, they were able to obtain surveillance footage of the suspect. Later in the day Cortland Police say they received another call of a suspicious person on Lebanon Drive. Officers located 36 year old Crystal L. Towers.

Police say Towers matched the description of the suspect on Groton Ave. break-in. Officers found her to be in possession of 5 stolen credit cards from the Groton Ave. theft. She was arrested and charged with 8 Counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th, 4 counts of Identity Theft in the 2nd, both Felonies, 4 counts of Petit Larceny, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th, both misdemeanors.

Towers was processed and later released on appearance tickets for her charges on August 23rd.

Six days later though, an arrest warrant was issued for Towers after a further investigation in connection to the June 23rd theft. Officers were able to locate Towers that same day, August 29th, at 44 Port Watson Street in the city.

As officers attempted to take her into custody, Towers attempted to flee from officers and officers had to use force to arrest her. As she was being arrested, she was found with Fentanyl. Cortland Police say two of their officers sustained damage to their uniforms as a result of her arrest.

Towers was charged with 2 counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th, Identity Theft in the 2nd, both Felonies, Petit Larceny, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, and Criminal Mischief, all Misdemeanors from the August 29th arrest.

As a result of her continuous criminal activity, she was arraigned and then remanded to Cortland County Jail with a bail set. As of 2pm, Friday August 30th, Towers remains in custody. She’s due in Cortland City Court in September.