Key thrown in alleged plot to steal Utica auto repair money

A Oneida County man is under arrest after allegedly stealing money to buy auto parts.

Police say they were contacted in August 2022 by the owners of DDS Motor Sports located at 2100 Oriskany Street West in Utica, New York, about the alleged theft of a large sum of money from the business. The owners said the money was to be used to purchase auto parts, but was allegedly taken.

According to a written receipt from the Utica Police Department, investigators say that “while going through inventory reports, it was learned that the same cash clerk had taken cash from customers and had not did not order any other parts as promised, so the customer never received their order.”

Additionally, the owners claimed that other transactions also appeared suspicious. The amount of money involved in the transactions was over $8,000.

An investigator from the UPD’s Criminal Investigations Division was assigned to the case and found Michael Tuttle, 30, from Rome, to be a suspect.

After further investigation, Tuttle was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree.

Anyone with information that could be useful to the investigation should call the police.

Anonymous calls, emails and messages can also be left with Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers by dialing: 1-866-730-8477 (ADVICE)by visiting www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, or by using the P3 Tips Mobile App. All information received by Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers is 100% confidential.

[AUTHOR’S NOTE:   This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information received from the Utica Police Department.  Regardless of any statements or photographs regarding potential evidence presented or accusations alleged, the reader is reminded that all suspects and arrested persons are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.  At the time of this posting no additional information is available.]