Alleged serial diesel fuel thief charged in Orleans County

Albion, N.Y. — Two people face charges after they allegedly stole a trailer that contained a type of roofing machine used to make metal panels and sold it to someone in North Carolina.

Paul Rutherford, 51, and Cori Rutherford, 27, conspired with others to steal the enclosed trailer Feb. 18 from Lake Shore Metals in Ridgeway, according to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office.

They allegedly transported the trailer to Conover, N.C. that day and received $4,000 in payment.

Investigators from several agencies determined Paul Rutherford was behind a slew of thefts in Niagara and Orleans counties, including:

Paul Rutherford's "extensive" criminal history includes more than 28 arrests since 1988 and four felony convictions, according to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office. He was previously arrested Feb. 23 in Niagara County, accused of stealing diesel fuel from farms and stealing tools from another location.

In total, he is accused of stealing approximately $200,000 worth of property in eight different cases since January.

Paul Rutherford was arraigned Thursday in Niagara County after an indictment was unsealed charging him with three counts of third-degree grand larceny, two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property. Police said he posted bond.

An indictment unsealed Friday in Orleans County charged him with two counts of second-degree grand larceny, two counts of third-degree grand larceny, burglary and criminal mischief. Police said he was released after posting bail.

Cori Rutherford was charged with grand larceny and released.

Police said additional charges are possible.