ALTAMONT — Joseph Cranker, 31, of Altamont, pleaded guilty on March 4 to one count of second-degree criminal mischief, a felony, before Judge Peter A. Lynch in Albany County Court.

On Sept. 17, 2014, Cranker illegally cut out the catalytic converters on multiple vehicles that were parked on residential streets the town of Colonie, according to a release from the Albany County District Attorney’s Office; Colonie Police apprehended Cranker and found tools and the stolen car parts in the truck he was driving.  

Cranker faces two to four years in state prison and will be ordered to pay full restitution to the victims when sentenced on April 28.

Vehicular Crimes Unit Bureau Chief Mary Tanner-Richter prosecuted this case.
— Melissa Hale-Spencer