Oneida County, NY – A Vernon man is facing felony charges following a stolen property investigation involving unauthorized credit card use at multiple Lowe’s locations in Oneida County, authorities announced Thursday.
According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, deputies arrested 53-year-old Howard Love Jr. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in connection with a stolen property complaint that began last fall.
Sheriff’s officials said the investigation started on November 11, 2025, when a Road Patrol deputy was dispatched to the Town of Verona for a report of stolen property. During the initial investigation, deputies learned the victim’s credit card had allegedly been used without consent to purchase gift cards.
According to investigators, the credit card was used at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in Utica and New Hartford, with total unauthorized purchases amounting to $1,247.70. Due to the scope of the case, the investigation was referred to the Oneida County Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU).
Investigators later determined that Love allegedly made two purchases on October 30, 2025—one at the New Hartford Lowe’s and one at the Utica Lowe’s—followed by another purchase at the New Hartford location on October 31, 2025. All purchases were allegedly made without the credit card owner’s permission.
As a result of the investigation, Love was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, under New York State Penal Law Section 165.45(2).
Authorities said Love was escorted to the Oneida County Correctional Facility, where he is being held pending Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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