Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse contractor is accused of stealing a $53,000 Caterpillar loader with snow plow attachment taken last winter from an Empower Federal Credit Union parking lot.

Police followed "huge tracks" left in the snow by the machine as it was being driven away from the Erie Boulevard West scene Jan. 4, 2016, said prosecutor Michael Manfredi.

Eventually, the tracks led to a North Side street, where the machine had apparently been loaded onto a trailer, Manfredi said.

Security camera footage and other evidence led police to Michael Schrader, 44, owner of Schrader Construction and Services, the prosecutor said.

Further investigation led police to suspect that Schrader also had other pieces of stolen property, including commercial trailers, another Caterpillar and other heavy machinery, worth more than $50,000 on its own, Manfredi said.

The Caterpillar taken from the credit union was never found. But Schrader did admit to police that he found the snow plow attachment by the side of the road and took it, Manfredi said.

Schrader appeared in court today on felony grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property charges.

Manfredi reiterated he wanted Schrader to spend 3 to 9 years in state prison if he couldn't repay the $53,000 for the stolen snowplow, or 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if he could.

Defense lawyer William Sullivan said Schrader could make restitution, but no plea was taken in court. Instead, the case was adjourned a few more weeks.

Schrader remains free until his next court date.