SOUTH FALLSBURG — On December 1, 2025, Fallsburg Police received a report from NYSEG employees that a residence in South Fallsburg had been stealing electric from their utility pole. Fallsburg Police then responded to the residence with NYSEG and upon arrival, it was reported by NYSEG that the resident at the location had opened the door and displayed a firearm.

Additional Fallsburg Police units, along members from the New York State Police and Sullivan County Sheriffs Office, then arrived on scene and secured the area. After further investigation, police were able to safely take Anthony Atkins, 39, and Heather Smith, 39, into custody. The reported firearm was recovered from inside the residence by police and was identified as a pellet rifle.

Anthony Atkins was charged with menacing in the second degree and theft of services, both misdemeanors, along with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a felony.

Heather Smith was charged with theft of services, a misdemeanor. Both individuals were released on an appearance ticket and are due back in the Town of Fallsburg Justice Court at a later date.

Criminal charges are merely allegations that a defendant has committed violations of the criminal law, and as such they are not evidence of guilt. All defendants have a presumption of innocence and are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the burden of the State of New York to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.