People around New Hartford were left asking questions earlier this year after news spread that someone had broken into the New Hartford Recreation Center during overnight hours. A normally quiet community facility quickly became the focus of a major police investigation after employees reportedly discovered forced entry and significant damage inside the building.

According to the New Hartford Police Department, officers originally responded to the New Hartford Recreation Center on January 11, 2026, after staff discovered a locked office area had allegedly been forcibly entered during the night. Police say the suspect used tools to force entry into the office, causing damage to the office door and surrounding area. Authorities stated that approximately $4,000 in cash was reported stolen during the burglary.

Investigators say evidence technicians processed the scene and collected multiple items believed to be connected to the incident. Throughout the investigation, police conducted interviews with employees and witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage from multiple locations, and worked alongside the New York State Police Crime Laboratory. According to police, DNA evidence later produced a positive match through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), ultimately identifying a suspect.

Police announced that on May 20, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with several local and state agencies, located and arrested 42-year-old Erin Gillespie of Clayville. Authorities say Gillespie was transported to the New Hartford Police Department and processed on multiple felony charges before being held at the Oneida County Jail pending arraignment.

According to police, Gillespie has been charged with:

  • Burglary in the Third Degree (Class D Felony)
  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class E Felony)
  • Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class E Felony)

Cases involving community buildings and recreation facilities often leave residents frustrated because many families rely on those spaces for programs, events, and youth activities. Some community members online questioned how someone was allegedly able to gain access to the building and whether additional security measures may now be needed moving forward.

Do residents deserve more answers about security upgrades following the burglary? Would a case like this concern you if it happened at a recreation center in your neighborhood?

We will continue following this story as additional information becomes available. Anyone with verified information can contact The Hillbilly Media through our website or official tip channels. Please avoid posting threats, personal information, or unverified accusations in the comments.


All suspects are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The Hillbilly Media reports information based on police statements, public records, scanner traffic, and other verified sources available at the time of publication. Charges may later be reduced, modified, or dismissed. Please keep comments respectful and avoid posting threats, personal information, or unverified accusations.