State Police say a months-long theft investigation led to felony charges against an employee of Tops Friendly Market.
ELLENVILLE, N.Y. — New York State Police arrested a 35-year-old Ellenville woman following an investigation into allegations that approximately $4,456 was stolen from her employer, Tops Friendly Market, over several months. Denah R. Stratton faces charges of third-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records. Police say she was released following arraignment and is scheduled to return to court on Friday, October 9, 2026.
What Led to the Ellenville Woman’s Arrest?
According to a New York State Police news release dated October 8, investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Ellenville arrested Stratton on October 6.
Police said the investigation determined that money was taken from Tops Friendly Market over several months. The news release did not describe how the alleged theft was uncovered, the precise dates of the alleged incidents, or whether any funds have been recovered. Those details remain unconfirmed.
What Charges Does Stratton Face?
- Grand larceny in the third degree: A Class D felony under New York law.
- Falsifying business records in the first degree: A Class E felony under New York law.
These are allegations, not findings of guilt. The police statement does not identify the business records at issue or explain the alleged recordkeeping conduct. Prosecutors must prove the legal elements of each charge in court, and Stratton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
What Happened After the Arrest?
Stratton was processed at the State Police facility in Ellenville, then arraigned in Ulster County’s Centralized Arraignment Part. Police say she was released on her own recognizance, meaning she was not required to post bail to be released.
Her next scheduled appearance is Friday, October 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Town of Wawarsing Court, according to State Police. Court schedules can change.
Why Do Workplace Theft Allegations Matter?
Employee theft allegations can put employers’ financial controls and workplace trust under scrutiny. Businesses need accurate records to identify discrepancies. At the same time, investigations must distinguish an unexplained loss from proof that any particular employee committed a crime.
In this case, police announced an arrest and two charges but did not make the underlying investigative evidence public in the release. No conclusion about guilt should be drawn from the arrest alone.
What Happens Next?
The October 9 court appearance is the next publicly announced step. Stratton may contest the allegations, and any additional evidence or changes in the case will have to be established through verified court records or official statements.
