NEW HARTFORD — Two sisters are accused of cutting the security tags off nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise at T.J. Maxx Thursday afternoon.

Police said Jessica, 32, and Kayla Hartmann, 23, both of Utica, were cutting tags and stealing merchandise from T.J. Maxx at about 5:30 p.m. Police said they stole 77 articles of clothing, two pairs of sunglasses and one purse, for a total of $935. They stored the stolen items in two bags and a baby stroller, and left the store without paying, authorities stated.

Jessica Hartmann also had her two children with her, ages 2 and 7, police said. County Child Protective Services is investigating.

Both Hartmann sisters were charged with one count each of petty larceny and possession of burglar’s tools. Kayla Hartman was released on an appearance ticket to Town Court for July 31.

Stealing more than $1,000 is a felony while less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor.

Jessica Hartmann ­was taken into custody because authorities said she had an outstanding arrest warrant for a December theft from Kohl’s department store. Authorities said she stole more than $300 worth of merchandise from Kohl’s.

So with the new charges and the old warrant, Jessica Hartmann was arraigned and sent to county jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail or bond, authorities stated. She is scheduled to reappear in court on June 21.