Two Bath men are facing felony charges after separate encounters with police were later linked to the same stolen four-wheeler taken from a seasonal property in Steuben County.
The investigation began March 24 when a Village of Bath police officer stopped a four-wheeler being operated on East Morris Street in violation of state vehicle and traffic law. The operator, identified as Steven R. Jeffers, 41, of Bath, was found to have a suspended driver’s license. The vehicle was also not registered or insured, and Jeffers was not wearing a helmet.
Police said Jeffers could not provide proof of ownership and told officers he was homeless, raising suspicion about the vehicle. The four-wheeler was seized at the time on traffic violations and concern it may have been stolen.
Days later, on March 29, officers again encountered a four-wheeler being operated illegally, this time in the area of Wilson Avenue. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the operator fled, leading to a brief pursuit that ended on railroad tracks just outside the village. The driver was identified as Marvin J. Brotzman, 46, of Bath, who was taken into custody, issued multiple traffic citations, and released. The four-wheeler involved in that incident was also towed.
On April 16, Bath police were notified by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office that a property owner had reported an orange Suzuki four-wheeler stolen from a seasonal property in the town of Wheeler on April 12. Investigators later confirmed the four-wheeler involved in both incidents was the same stolen vehicle.
Jeffers was arrested April 21 and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a class D felony. He was processed and transported to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment before being released.
Brotzman was also located April 21 and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a class E felony. He was processed and taken to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment, where he remains held.
Bath police said the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation.
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