Investigators believe they've figured out why some railroad tracks in Chenango County vanished.

Two North Norwich men face felony charges for allegedly stealing sections of railroad tracks and selling the metal for scrap.

Authorities say 22-year-old Paul Presnell and 22-year-old Cody Gay were charged with grand larceny and criminal mischief. They also were charged with criminal trespass.

The damaged and stolen tracks were owned by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway.

According to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office, Presnell and Gay are suspected of using torches to cut portions of track in the town of North Norwich in August. The stolen track sections then are said to have been turned in for money.

The men were released on appearance tickets.

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