LIBERTY — The Village of Liberty Police Department has arrested Emmanuel Berrian, 36, following three separate investigations into commercial burglaries that occurred within the Village of Liberty.

The first incident was reported on April 10, 2025, when officers were contacted by the manager of the Sunoco Country Store gas station on Sullivan Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a second report was received from an employee at the Burger King restaurant, also located on Sullivan Avenue. The investigation revealed that both businesses had been burglarized the previous night. Surveillance footage from the scenes identified Emmanuel Berrian as the suspect.

Berrian was located in the Village of Monticello by officers from the Village of Monticello Police Department and taken into custody without incident. He was charged with two counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree (felonies) and Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree (a misdemeanor). He was arraigned in the Town of Neversink Court. Despite the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office recommending bail be set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or $200,000 partially secured bond, Berrian was released on his own recognizance.

Just five days later, on April 15, 2025, Liberty Police responded to another report of a commercial burglary—this time at the Munson Diner on Lake Street. The suspect had broken into the diner and stolen cash. Once again, the investigation identified Emmanuel Berrian as the perpetrator. He was located at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Knights Inn Motel and taken into custody without incident by Liberty Police officers.

Berrian was charged with Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree, and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree (all felonies), as well as Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree and Petit Larceny (misdemeanors). He was arraigned in the Town of Liberty Court, with bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $125,000 partially secured bond.

Chief of Police Steven D’Agata stated, “The criminal justice system in this state is fundamentally broken, there is no other way to put it. My officers and I are beyond disgusted with having to watch hardworking, law-abiding citizens be victimized time and time again. My officers are doing exactly what the public expects of them: identifying criminals, making arrests, and working tirelessly to protect our community. Yet time and again, we watch these same offenders released almost immediately, only to reoffend and victimize more innocent people.

My officers will continue to use every available resource to seek justice for victims and protect this community. Law enforcement can only be effective in creating safe communities when the criminal justice system holds offenders accountable and puts the rights and wellbeing of victim’s first. The system is failing good people and needs to change.”