Cortland Man Arrested for Burglary After Multiple Thefts at Walmart
CORTLANDVILLE, NY — On May 18, 2025, New York State Police arrested 38‑year‑old Nicholas Partis, a Cortland resident, on a class “D” felony charge of third‑degree burglary. The arrest comes after a series of well‑documented theft incidents at a local Walmart in Cortlandville.
Sequence of Events
On May 11, 2025, troopers were dispatched to the Walmart at Cortlandville following a report that a male suspect had walked out of the store with a shopping cart loaded with merchandise valued at over $868. Witnesses immediately identified the suspect as Nicholas Partis—an individual who had previously been issued a no‑trespassing notice by Walmart due to earlier thefts.
The next day, May 12, 2025, Walmart authorities again reported an incident involving Partis. On this occasion, the suspect was seen leaving the store with another cart containing items valued at approximately $678. Despite rapid response efforts by law enforcement, troopers were unable to apprehend him at that time. An arrest warrant was promptly applied for.
On May 18, 2025, a coordinated effort led to Partis’ arrest by another police agency. Following his apprehension, he was turned over to New York State Police at Homer, processed, and subsequently remanded to the Cortland County Jail for centralized arraignment. His scheduled court appearance is set for May 28, 2025, in Cortlandville Town Court.
Legal Charges and Context
Nicholas Partis faces a charge of third‑degree burglary, a class “D” felony under New York Penal Law. This charge applies when an individual knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime. Despite having been previously banned from Walmart, Partis returned to the store with apparent intent to steal—behaviors that meet the legal thresholds for burglary. In addition, the case involves elements of grand larceny given the significant monetary value of the stolen merchandise.
Under current New York law, a conviction for third‑degree burglary can result in imprisonment for up to seven years, with sentencing influenced by the defendant’s prior record and the specific circumstances of the crime.
Background and Prior Incidents
Records indicate that Partis has a documented history of theft-related offenses. Earlier in 2025, he was banned from Walmart following previous incidents of theft. In addition, reports from April 2025 detail an earlier arrest in Norwich, NY, for grand larceny in the fourth degree. Surveillance footage from that incident led to his identification and release on an appearance ticket, with court proceedings scheduled subsequently. Local news outlets have also noted that Partis is currently considered homeless and has been involved in multiple incidents of theft throughout the region.
Response from Law Enforcement
Authorities emphasize that this arrest is part of an ongoing effort to enforce trespassing and theft laws, particularly when prior warnings and bans have been disregarded. A spokesperson for the New York State Police stated that the recovery of stolen merchandise, along with witness accounts and previous police records, provided clear evidence necessary to secure an arrest warrant against Partis.
Anyone with further information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the New York State Police. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be pursued if further evidence emerges.
