A nearly four-month investigation determined that a couple attempted to rob an Ulster County business shortly before they were arrested for allegedly robbing a business in Dutchess County.

Around 1:15 a.m. on October 28, 2016, the Ulster Police Department responded to the Hudson Valley Cycle Center on Route 28 in the Town of Ulster for commercial burglar alarm activation.

Arriving officers noticed the front glass door to the business was smashed, in attempts to gain entry.

As a result of a nearly fourth month investigation 39-year-old Michael J. Sanfilippo of Pleasant Valley and Jessica L. Merck, 27, of Cottekill were identified as suspects. Police didn’t say how they identified the couple.

Both were arrested at the Dutchess County Jail where they are being held for allegedly robbing the LaGrange Smokes For Less in November 2016.

Both were charged with attempted burglary and criminal mischief, felonies, and a misdemeanor for possession of burglar tools.

They were both arraigned in Town of Ulster Town Court and returned back to the custody of the Dutchess County Jail to reappear at a later date.

The Ulster Police Department was assisted by the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, and the East Fishkill Police Department.

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