On July 15, 2022, at 2:36 a.m. State Police Liberty were contacted by Sullivan County 911 Center for a report of a robbery on Old Liberty Road in the town of Monticello. Troopers arrived at the location and spoke with the victim, who stated that he was in his home when he heard a knock at the door. Upon opening the door, he noticed a female who was asking for help, at that moment a male subject pushed his way into the residence carrying a machete in one hand and a pocketknife in the other hand. The suspects demanded money from the victim. He was robbed of $110 that was in his pocket, his cell phone, and the keys to his 2008 Ford F-150. Prior to leaving the residence, the male struck the victim in the arm with the machete causing a laceration, both suspects then fled the area in the stolen pick-up truck. The suspects were described by the victim as a black male wearing all black clothing and a face mask covering half of his face and a white female wearing a white t-shirt.

Troopers were notified by Monticello Police that they were with two individuals who fit the description that the victim gave. The suspects were identified as James M. Smith, age 44 and Stacey Wilson, age 41, both of Bedford Avenue in Monticello. While being interviewed by troopers, the suspects were found to be in possession of the keys to the stolen vehicle., that vehicle was later located in the parking lot of the Government Center on Sturgis Road in Monticello.

Smith and Wilson were both charged with Burglary 1st degree, Robbery 1st degree, and Grand Larceny 3rd degree, all felonies. Smith was additionally charged with the felonies Assault 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree. They were arraigned in the Town of Thompson Court. Smith was remanded without bail to Sullivan County Jail. Wilson was remanded to Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $200,000 cash/$400,000 bond/$500,000 partially secured bond. They are set to appear in the Town of Thompson Court on July 25, 2022, at 5 p.m.

State Police were assisted by the Monticello Police Department.