Three Accused of Stealing $24G From Broome Home

Three Broome County men - two brothers and a cousin - have been arrested in connection with the theft of a safe filled with $24,000 from a town of Dickinson residence.

Authorities say the suspects are brothers 22-year-old Zachary Franks and 19-year-old Tyler Franks, both of Binghamton; and their cousin, 30-year-old Roger Franks of the Town of Chenango.

The men have been charged with second-degree burglary, a felony.

According to the Broome County Sheriff's Office, Roger Franks also faces drug-related charges, including criminal possession of a controlled substance and marijuana possession.

Investigators say the stolen cash is believed to have been used to buy drugs and other items.

Police searched a town of Chenango motel room where the men had been staying. They found jewelry, clothing and electronics worth about $20,000. The items apparently had been purchased with the stolen cash.

The empty safe was recovered in the Town of Conklin.

Detectives say Roger Franks was in possession of methamphetamine, ecstasy pills and marijuana when he was taken into custody.

The men were arraigned in Dickinson Town Court and sent to Broome County Jail without bail.