LEE, NY — On May 28, 2025, New York State Police arrested Joseph A. Mooney, 54, of Ava, for petit larceny related to the theft of a political campaign sign.
The incident began with a complaint filed on May 23 by a candidate running for Town of Lee Supervisor. The complainant reported that one of his political signs was stolen from a friend’s property on Turin Road, Lee.
Troopers responded and found the stolen sign discarded in a dumpster behind a nearby business owned by Mooney, the complainant’s political opponent. The sign was returned and placed back on the lawn.
Following the return of the sign, the property owner set up a trail camera to monitor it. On May 28, another theft was reported, with footage showing Mooney removing the sign again.
After reviewing the evidence, State Police arrested Mooney and charged him with petit larceny. He was processed and released with an appearance ticket for the Town of Lee Court.
