SULLIVAN COUNTY — Members of the Monticello Police have arrested two Monticello men following an investigation into a “Home Invasion” robbery. Arrested were Jamil T. Fasenntao, age 33, and Charles D. Merchant, age 35, both of the Village of Monticello. The defendants were each charged with the felonies of Burglary in the 1st degree, Robbery in the 1st degree, Assault in the 2nd degree, Grand larceny in the 3rd degree and Criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree.

On Saturday 5/23/20 at 8:00 AM Monticello police responded to report of male yelling for help outside a residence on Wood Ave in the Village of Monticello. Responding officers located a 37 year-old male bleeding heavily from a knife wound to a hand. The victim reported that Fasenntao and Merchant acting in concert did kick in the front door to his residence and then did forcibly steal his cellphone and a wallet containing a pre-paid visa card with a value of more than $3,000.00. The victim was stabbed in the hand with a knife and also punched about his face during the incident. The victim was subsequently transported to ORMC BY Mobile Medic Ambulance for treatment of his injuries.

Fasenntao was arrested on Saturday 5/23/20 at 4 PM when officers observed him walking into a convenience store on Broadway. Merchant was arrested today, 5/27/20, at 11 AM when officers conducted a vehicle stop on West Broadway, in which Merchant was a passenger in.

Both defendants were arraigned via Video before Sullivan County Judge Hon. James Farrell and remanded to the Sullivan county Jail pending further court action.

Fasenntao bail was set at $75,000.00 cash, $150,000.00 Insurance bond or $350,000.00 bail bond.

Merchant bail was set at $100,000.00 cash, $200,000.00 Insurance bond or $500,000.00 bail bond.