Charges Against Hoosick Couple Mount Up

by Bea Peterson
Tara L. Morelli, 30, and Gregory S. Frank, 40, of Telford Road, Hoosick, arrested on June 23 for Burglary, are now facing 23 offenses including burglary, possession of stolen property and child endangerment. “We believe these people have been at it for years,” said Rensselaer County District Attorney Richard McNally, “possibly to support a drug habit.” Originally connected to crimes in Saratoga, Rensselaer and Albany Counties, it is believed they may have also been involved in crimes in Otsego, Montgomery and Jefferson Counties. In some of the burglaries the couple forced a child to squeeze through windows or doggie doors to unlock the houses for them. There are no charges against the child who is with her parents and cooperating with the District Attorney’s office. “Using a child in these crimes is despicable,” said McNally.
Also cooperating with the District Attorney’s office is Tara Morelli’s cousin Ronald Morelli who has admitted to participating with the couple in 14 burglaries in homes in Hoosick, Pittstown, Poestenkill and Schaghticoke. He is facing a possible three and a half to seven year sentence in State Prison as a repeat offender and must pay $14,000 in restitution to victims.
The burglaries were committed during the day time hours. Victims would return at day’s end to find a door or window of their home open and jewelry, credit cards, cash, electronics and silver pieces missing.