MONTICELLO – The Appellate Division of State Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of one of two men who broke into an occupied house in the Town of Mamakating in June of last year and stole valuables.  State Police apprehended to two shortly after fled the scene.

Derrick Brown, 18, of Middletown, and Joshua Crump, were convicted on charges of burglary, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, conspiracy, attempted petit larceny and unlawful possession of marijuana. They had stolen the owner’s wallet, credit cards, jewelry and cash.

Brown appealed his sentence of 13 1/3 to 16 years in prison, claiming it was excessive, but the appellate court affirmed the county court’s ruling.

“The defendant invaded the sanctity of an occupied home and the victim impact statement expressed the fear and panic the homeowner experienced when confronted with strangers in her home,” said District Sullivan County District Attorney James Farrell. “A burglar takes far more than just valuables, which can be replaced. A burglar steals the feelings of safety and security that we all should have in our homes and that may never be replaced.”