Two Women Charged After Shopping Spree with Stolen Cards from Lost Wallet

Cortland Police Department say two women have been arrested following a fraud investigation that began on February 8.

According to police, the case stemmed from a report of a lost wallet. A man told officers he had misplaced his wallet while shopping at Riverside Plaza in Cortland on February 6. Around 5 p.m. that day, he discovered multiple unauthorized transactions on his credit and debit cards totaling $474.02.

Investigators say the stolen cards were used at several local businesses, including P&C Fresh, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven, Bru 64, Student’s Finest Convenience, and Area 51.

Police identified the suspects as 38-year-old Rebecca Robitaille and 45-year-old Erika Pantone. Both are accused of using the victim’s cards to make fraudulent purchases.

Authorities say investigators used store surveillance footage, receipts, and witness statements to identify the suspects.

The missing wallet was recovered on February 9 during an unrelated arrest, and all of its contents were returned to the owner.

Police located Pantone on February 21 and Robitaille on February 24.

Both women face the following charges:

• Identity Theft in the 2nd Degree (felony)
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree (E felony)
• Petit Larceny (A misdemeanor)
• Conspiracy in the 5th Degree (A misdemeanor)

Pantone was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Robitaille was taken to the Cortland County Jail on unrelated warrants.

Both are scheduled to appear in Cortland City Court next month.