(WNY News Now) – MACHIAS, N.Y. — A Machias resident faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a burglary investigation that led to the execution of a search warrant at his home, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Eric A. Butler reported that Andrew F. Crooks, 43, of Route 16 in Machias, was arrested on March 30, 2026, at approximately 11:15 a.m. The arrest followed an investigation into a reported burglary in the Town of Great Valley.
Authorities said a search warrant was executed at Crooks’ residence, where investigators allegedly discovered methamphetamine along with multiple items reported stolen from the Great Valley burglary. As a result, Crooks was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the third degree, Burglary in the third degree, and Grand Larceny in the fourth degree.
Crooks was processed and arraigned in the Town of Machias Court. He was released and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation involved multiple units, including the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, Road Patrol, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. The task force includes members of the Salamanca Police Department and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office.
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