State troopers arrested two East Syracuse men following a multi-day investigation into a string of retail thefts at the Bass Pro Shops inside the Fingerlakes Mall in Cayuga County.
The New York State Police said the investigation focused on repeated larcenies at the store, located in the town of Aurelius, that occurred over several days in December.
Troopers identified the suspects as Zachary S. Rathburn, 42, of East Syracuse, and Corey Scott, 42, of East Syracuse. Investigators allege the two men worked together to steal hunting and outdoor equipment from the store on December 18, 19, and 21, 2025. The total value of the stolen merchandise exceeded $3,000.
Both men were charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, and fifth-degree conspiracy, a misdemeanor.
State Police said surveillance video and information provided by the public played a key role in identifying the suspects.
Further investigation determined that Rathburn was also connected to earlier retail thefts involving a Sunglass Hut located inside the Bass Pro Shops, but operated as a separate business. Those incidents occurred on May 10 and May 12, 2025, and involved multiple pairs of sunglasses valued at more than $2,800.
As a result, Rathburn now faces additional charges, including fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
Scott was taken into custody on January 5, 2026, while Rathburn was arrested on January 9. Both were processed at State Police headquarters in Auburn and transported to the Cayuga County Jail for CAP arraignment.
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