Naples Fla April 6 2008
By: Rick McCann
Ntl Assoc. Private Officers
www.privateofficer.com
Via Press Release
Deputies arrested a 37-year-old Albertsons employee Wednesday on charges she made fake transactions and stole lottery tickets.
Julie Reneus, 3625 Poplar Way, East Naples, was charged with grand theft.The thefts were reported over several days in March at the Albertsons at 3350 U.S. 41 E. East Naples.
Reports say Reneus, who works in the Albertsons liquor department, would run off lottery tickets, charged for them without putting money into the cash register and then would conduct a fake beer keg or tap deposit return for customers, which would balance out the money she was removing from the register or charging the lottery tickets to.
Store surveillance video showed Reneus, who works alone in the liquor department, working on the days when the discrepancies were reported.
There were no customers in the store at the time Reneus made transactions for keg returns, reports said.
A search of Reneus by deputies turned up several lottery tickets in her pants pockets. A subsequent search of her purse turned up more lottery tickets.
Many of the tickets corresponded to specific dates in which keg deposit returns were conducted, reports said.
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Sunday, April 6, 2008
Suspects in jewelry heist surrender to police www.privateofficer.com
Walton County Fla. April 6 2008
Two women turned themselves in to Walton County (Fla.) authorities Wednesday night in connection with a March 12 jewelry store theft, Walton County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eddie Farris said.
Emily Parker Johnson, 54, of a Croom Drive address in Montgomery, and Mary Parker Brown, 52, of a Laurelwood Lane address in Montgomery, were both charged with grand theft, according to Walton County arrest reports.
The two sisters, along with a third sister, Rheata Parker Dozier, 55, of a Wares Ferry Road address in Montgomery, entered Hooch and Holly’s jewelry store in the community of Seaside in northwest Florida March 12, according to Walton County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Store manager Jennifer Black has said one woman bought something at the counter while the other two dropped jewelry into straw bags sold by the store.
The women left without paying for the items, she said.The women arrested allegedly took $4,424.70 of jewelry, according to the same reports.Dozier was not charged, Farris said, because the Florida state attorney’s office had "insufficient evidence" to prosecute."(Brown and Johnson) came in late (Wednesday) evening, sometime after 4:30 p.m.," Farris said.
"They were booked in and bonded out right after that."Both Brown and Johnson were released on $5,000 bond each, Farris said.Sheriff’s deputies recovered the jewelry and returned it to the store.A Mary Brown in Montgomery with the same Laurelwood Lane address listed in the police report said neither she nor her sister were those who turned themselves in. A Rheata P. Dozier at the same Wares Ferry Road address as listed in the police reports said she did not know anything about the situation
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Two women turned themselves in to Walton County (Fla.) authorities Wednesday night in connection with a March 12 jewelry store theft, Walton County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eddie Farris said.
Emily Parker Johnson, 54, of a Croom Drive address in Montgomery, and Mary Parker Brown, 52, of a Laurelwood Lane address in Montgomery, were both charged with grand theft, according to Walton County arrest reports.
The two sisters, along with a third sister, Rheata Parker Dozier, 55, of a Wares Ferry Road address in Montgomery, entered Hooch and Holly’s jewelry store in the community of Seaside in northwest Florida March 12, according to Walton County Sheriff’s Office reports.
Store manager Jennifer Black has said one woman bought something at the counter while the other two dropped jewelry into straw bags sold by the store.
The women left without paying for the items, she said.The women arrested allegedly took $4,424.70 of jewelry, according to the same reports.Dozier was not charged, Farris said, because the Florida state attorney’s office had "insufficient evidence" to prosecute."(Brown and Johnson) came in late (Wednesday) evening, sometime after 4:30 p.m.," Farris said.
"They were booked in and bonded out right after that."Both Brown and Johnson were released on $5,000 bond each, Farris said.Sheriff’s deputies recovered the jewelry and returned it to the store.A Mary Brown in Montgomery with the same Laurelwood Lane address listed in the police report said neither she nor her sister were those who turned themselves in. A Rheata P. Dozier at the same Wares Ferry Road address as listed in the police reports said she did not know anything about the situation
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Stabbings at mall have shoppers on edge www.privateofficer.com
MESA AZ. April 6 2008 — Two stabbings at a Mesa mall are related, and authorities have a suspect in custody, police said.The first stabbing occurred Sunday afternoon at a Macy’s department store in Fiesta Mall.
Mesa police said a man was stabbed in an unprovoked attack, receiving non-life threatening injuries.Officers didn’t locate a suspect Sunday, but they got a physical description of the attacker and his vehicle.
A second stabbing happened Monday afternoon. Police stopped and detained a man after security officers found the victim fatally stabbed in the restroom of the Fiesta Mall food court.
Police are withholding the murder victim’s name until his family is notified.Late Monday, Mesa police confirmed the male suspect bought an eight inch butcher knife from a mall store shortly before Monday’s incident.
Police are also in the process of conducting a photo lineup with the victim of Sunday’s stabbing at Fiesta Mall.Mesa Police Chief George Gascon said the attacks appear to be random.The suspect is a convicted murderer with a history of mental illness who spent six years in prison and was released about two years ago, Gascon said.
Mesa police said the victim of Sunday’s stabbing was a 22-year-old male walking through the men’s department in Macy’s, the East Valley Tribune reported.
According to police, the suspect entered the store Sunday afternoon and approached the first victim. The victim said he looked in the suspect’s direction as they passed, at which time the suspect turned around, grabbed him from behind and stabbed him in the neck with a knife.The victim turned around and said to the suspect, "What are you doing? I don’t even know you." The suspect then stabbed the victim in the shoulder three times.
Mesa police said they didn’t notify the public about Sunday’s stabbing until Monday morning because investigators didn’t have enough information, and that releasing the details would have been premature, Gascon said.Crime scene tape and a police presence at the mall Monday afternoon drew the attention of shoppers."We knew something really bad must have happened," said Rose Medina, a Fiesta Mall shopper.Mike Jorgenson, senior property manager at Fiesta Mall, said the incident only affected a small area of the mall. "Everyone’s going about their shopping," he said.
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Teenager charged with robbery after theft www.privateofficer.com
Harlingen TX APRIL 6 2008
An 18-year-old man that police arrested on charges of aggravated robbery was arraigned Thursday by a municipal court judge, who set his bond at $50,000, officials said Harlingen resident Leroy Cortez was arrested after police said he and his juvenile brother took merchandise from Mervyn’s without paying and threatened a Mervyn’s security officer Monday, according to a police report.
The two brothers and another man went into the store at Valle Vista Mall and a security officer saw the boy hide a T-shirt in his shorts, the report states.Cortez saw his brother conceal the shirt and didn’t attempt to stop him, the report states.
They then walked out of the store without paying and security officers confronted the group, according to the report.
The boy pulled a knife out of his right front pants pocket and turned on the security officers, and Cortez told the security guards to leave his brother alone, the police report states.
The juvenile put the knife inside his pocket when he saw police arrive, according to the report.Police arrested the brothers and took them to the Harlingen jail, the report states.While the juvenile was being transported to the Darrel B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center, he was able to move his cuffed hands toward the front of his body, and police and the boy were involved in a brief struggle when they took him out of the car, the report states.
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Public questions police use of force during shoplifter arrest www.privateofficer.com
Waterford CT. April 6 2008
By: Rick McCann
Ntl. Assoc. Private Officers
www.privateofficer.com
There seems to be some question as to whether or not local police used too much force in arresting a shoplifter at a local Sears on Wednesday. Two people who said they had witnessed the arrest say that there was.
Police were notified by Sears loss prevention team that they were attempting to detain a shoplifter, later identified as Jose Molina-Montalvo and that he was struggling with them.
Waterford Chief of Police Murray Pendleton on Thursday defended tactics used by police in the arrest.Based on Lt. Brett Mahoney’s report of the incident, Mahoney arrived on the scene, Pendleton said, the man had smashed the case and started to run. Pendleton said Mahoney chased the man through several departments of the store..
At that point, Pendleton said, Officer John Bunce arrived on the scene and attempted to use a Taser to subdue the man. Pendleton said the Taser’s batteries were not properly charged and the gun misfired. At that point, officers on the scene reported that the man refused to be handcuffed and continued resisting officers. In their report, Pendleton said, the officers said that because the Taser didn’t work, they then used their "closed fists" to bring the man under control.
Police charged Jose Molina-Montalvo, 19, of New London with fifth-degree larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, interfering with a police officer and possession of a shoplifting device.Witnesses to the arrest notified the local newspaper of the incident saying that in their opinion the police overdid it and used too much force to subdue the man and the newspaper contacted Molina-Montalvo, at his home, and he admitted to stealing a digital camera from the store but said Waterford police went too far in the arrest, shoving him to the ground outside the store and repeatedly kicking and punching him in the head and chest.
Molina-Montalvo said that as he walked out of the store and headed for the exit he noticed a police officer. He tried to retreat and ran for a few feet but realized he had nowhere to go, he said."I saw a cop point something yellow at me," Molina-Montalvo said. "I think it was a Taser. I tried to put my arms up and head for the ground. That’s when one cop pushed me to the ground. I think he even used the Taser. I don’t know how we ended up outside, but one cop is on me, one kicked me and someone kept punching my face.""I know what I did was wrong," said Molina-Montalvo, but "the way they handled the situation was wrong. They were beating me up like I really did something bad." Montalvo sustained minor scratches and bruising during his arrest.Pendleton said the officers acted appropriately in a situation in which a man was actively resisting arrest.
Molina-Montalvo has other criminal cases pending against him. In February, New London police arrested him when a friend he was with dropped a bag containing a .22-caliber rifle and a pellet rifle, police said. Molina-Montalvo was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon and interfering with police.The local newspaper The Day, said about a dozen people witnessed the incident, some taking photos with their cell phones.
PrivateOfficer.com and The National Association of Private Officers tried to contact Montalvo but found no listed phone number for himWe did however talk with Anthony Bianco, a regional loss prevention manager for a major retailer and a retired police officer from Florida. We asked him in his current or previous duties if force was ever necessary in the arrest of a suspect and just how much force should be used. He pointed out that the officers were met with a fleeing suspect who after being physically detained still put up a fight to the point that the officers tried to deploy their taser gun which would have been reasonaable force under the circumstances. When the Taser malfunctioned, the officers continued to use force by punching Montalvo to bring him into submission so that he could be handcuffed. To the public, seeing four or five cops piled up on one person especially using physical force may have seemed a bit too much but in reality it was the level of force required to bring the suspect under control. If he had complied with their demands to be handcuffed the shoppers would have just seen a routine arrest and officers escorting a prisoner out the door to their waiting police cruisers.The public needs to realize that it’s not always as bad as it looks Bianco said. What if he had gotten away from the officers and pulled a knife or a gun and taken one of the shoppers hostage or worse, shot them.
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By: Rick McCann
Ntl. Assoc. Private Officers
www.privateofficer.com
There seems to be some question as to whether or not local police used too much force in arresting a shoplifter at a local Sears on Wednesday. Two people who said they had witnessed the arrest say that there was.
Police were notified by Sears loss prevention team that they were attempting to detain a shoplifter, later identified as Jose Molina-Montalvo and that he was struggling with them.
Waterford Chief of Police Murray Pendleton on Thursday defended tactics used by police in the arrest.Based on Lt. Brett Mahoney’s report of the incident, Mahoney arrived on the scene, Pendleton said, the man had smashed the case and started to run. Pendleton said Mahoney chased the man through several departments of the store..
At that point, Pendleton said, Officer John Bunce arrived on the scene and attempted to use a Taser to subdue the man. Pendleton said the Taser’s batteries were not properly charged and the gun misfired. At that point, officers on the scene reported that the man refused to be handcuffed and continued resisting officers. In their report, Pendleton said, the officers said that because the Taser didn’t work, they then used their "closed fists" to bring the man under control.
Police charged Jose Molina-Montalvo, 19, of New London with fifth-degree larceny, third-degree criminal mischief, interfering with a police officer and possession of a shoplifting device.Witnesses to the arrest notified the local newspaper of the incident saying that in their opinion the police overdid it and used too much force to subdue the man and the newspaper contacted Molina-Montalvo, at his home, and he admitted to stealing a digital camera from the store but said Waterford police went too far in the arrest, shoving him to the ground outside the store and repeatedly kicking and punching him in the head and chest.
Molina-Montalvo said that as he walked out of the store and headed for the exit he noticed a police officer. He tried to retreat and ran for a few feet but realized he had nowhere to go, he said."I saw a cop point something yellow at me," Molina-Montalvo said. "I think it was a Taser. I tried to put my arms up and head for the ground. That’s when one cop pushed me to the ground. I think he even used the Taser. I don’t know how we ended up outside, but one cop is on me, one kicked me and someone kept punching my face.""I know what I did was wrong," said Molina-Montalvo, but "the way they handled the situation was wrong. They were beating me up like I really did something bad." Montalvo sustained minor scratches and bruising during his arrest.Pendleton said the officers acted appropriately in a situation in which a man was actively resisting arrest.
Molina-Montalvo has other criminal cases pending against him. In February, New London police arrested him when a friend he was with dropped a bag containing a .22-caliber rifle and a pellet rifle, police said. Molina-Montalvo was charged with possession of a dangerous weapon and interfering with police.The local newspaper The Day, said about a dozen people witnessed the incident, some taking photos with their cell phones.
PrivateOfficer.com and The National Association of Private Officers tried to contact Montalvo but found no listed phone number for himWe did however talk with Anthony Bianco, a regional loss prevention manager for a major retailer and a retired police officer from Florida. We asked him in his current or previous duties if force was ever necessary in the arrest of a suspect and just how much force should be used. He pointed out that the officers were met with a fleeing suspect who after being physically detained still put up a fight to the point that the officers tried to deploy their taser gun which would have been reasonaable force under the circumstances. When the Taser malfunctioned, the officers continued to use force by punching Montalvo to bring him into submission so that he could be handcuffed. To the public, seeing four or five cops piled up on one person especially using physical force may have seemed a bit too much but in reality it was the level of force required to bring the suspect under control. If he had complied with their demands to be handcuffed the shoppers would have just seen a routine arrest and officers escorting a prisoner out the door to their waiting police cruisers.The public needs to realize that it’s not always as bad as it looks Bianco said. What if he had gotten away from the officers and pulled a knife or a gun and taken one of the shoppers hostage or worse, shot them.
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RETAIL SECURITY ALERT! www.privateofficer.com
Atlanta Georgia April 6 2008
RETAIL SECURITY ALERT!
In the past eighteen days, we have reports from at least a dozen different states and retail stores of large amounts of razor blades being stolen from pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreen as well as department stores such as Walmart and K-Mart.
These thefts involve the replacement tri- blades for all brands and has netted thieves approximately $300,000 in stolen merchandise.
The razor blades, as with most HBA(health, beauty aid) items are fast cash on internet sites such as EBay and other online auctions, Craigslist and on line stores and market places as well as area flea markets and just selling them right out of the trunk of their car like one shoplifter did in New Jersey.
Most stores are reporting that the thefts wipe out entire sections of inventory and add up to thousands of dollars of merchandise in one hit.
Although there have been several arrests in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee we do not see a connection to these thefts at this time and in most cases the shoplifters are acting independently in their area. This does not mean however that gangs are not working a particular city or state because we are sure that they are.Some stores have begun locking up these items while others do not want to inconvenience their customers anymore than they have to.BE AWARE! If you have an HBA area it is advised to spend extra time on surveillance and make you GM’s and store associates aware of this alert!
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Officer injured by shoplifter www.privateofficer.com
SPRINGBORO, Ohio April 6 2008
BY: Bryan Hill
Security News Magazinehttp://www.privateofficer.com/
A shoplifter trying to steal one of the hottest theft items right now found himself in jail after he struggled with a police officer and injured him.A Springboro police officer working a security detail at the Kroger on West Central Avenue was injured in a scuffle with the suspect Friday night.The officer became aware of two men who were shoplifting razor blades and tried to detain the suspects.When the officer tried to stop them, one of the men ran off and the officer struggled with the other suspect but was eventually able to take him into custodty.The officer was taken to an area hospital, where he received stitches in his hand.Police said two men tried to walk out of the store with $1,000 worth of razor blades.Authorities did not release the name of the officer involved or the arrested shoplifter.Police were still searching for the other suspect as of Friday night.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Shoplifting arrest leads to major drug bust www.privateofficer.com
Benton Ark. March 30 2008
Billy Crews, 49, of Saline County was arrested on numerous drug-related charges after Benton police learned that the shoplifting suspects were taking items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.Benton police investigated a reported shoplifting incident at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on March 7 and gained information on the suspects’ vechicle.
Later that day, when police stopped the vehicle, they noticed items inside the vehicle consistent with the manufacture of meth, according to a police report.
Police reported that the suspects in the vehicle identified Crews as the alleged "meth cook."
Police said they used the information to launch a two-week investigation into a residence at 952 Crews Road.
Last Friday, police and narcotics officers raided the residence and reported finding a meth lab. Authorities said they also found about 2.6 ounces of a crystal white substance believed to be meth, which has a street value of about $7,500.
Police said numerous chemicals were found in the kitchen, including pool cleaner, ether, Coleman fuel, empty blister packs of cold medicine and a bottle containing iodine crystals.Crews was arrested later that day. He is charged with manufacturing meth, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture meth, possession of meth with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premise, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).The shoplifting suspects are Scott Bennett, 30, of Benton and Christopher Brumley, 35, and Laura Roberts, 20, both of Haskell.Bennett is charged with shoplifting. Brumley is charged with possession of psuedoephedrine with intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture, possession of marijuana and possession of a weapon. Roberts is charged with possession of psuedoephedrine with intent to manufacture and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture.Benton police Sgt. Kevin Russell said much of the meth trade is coming from Mexico."Home-grown meth labs have declined," Russell said, "but ... you still see them occasionally.
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Billy Crews, 49, of Saline County was arrested on numerous drug-related charges after Benton police learned that the shoplifting suspects were taking items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.Benton police investigated a reported shoplifting incident at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on March 7 and gained information on the suspects’ vechicle.
Later that day, when police stopped the vehicle, they noticed items inside the vehicle consistent with the manufacture of meth, according to a police report.
Police reported that the suspects in the vehicle identified Crews as the alleged "meth cook."
Police said they used the information to launch a two-week investigation into a residence at 952 Crews Road.
Last Friday, police and narcotics officers raided the residence and reported finding a meth lab. Authorities said they also found about 2.6 ounces of a crystal white substance believed to be meth, which has a street value of about $7,500.
Police said numerous chemicals were found in the kitchen, including pool cleaner, ether, Coleman fuel, empty blister packs of cold medicine and a bottle containing iodine crystals.Crews was arrested later that day. He is charged with manufacturing meth, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture meth, possession of meth with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug premise, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana).The shoplifting suspects are Scott Bennett, 30, of Benton and Christopher Brumley, 35, and Laura Roberts, 20, both of Haskell.Bennett is charged with shoplifting. Brumley is charged with possession of psuedoephedrine with intent to manufacture, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture, possession of marijuana and possession of a weapon. Roberts is charged with possession of psuedoephedrine with intent to manufacture and possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture.Benton police Sgt. Kevin Russell said much of the meth trade is coming from Mexico."Home-grown meth labs have declined," Russell said, "but ... you still see them occasionally.
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Intoxicated shoplifter passes out at store www.privateofficer.com
By: Rick McCannNtl Assoc. Private Officers
Rogersville police were called to what was suppose to be a shoplifting call at a local dollar store.But what they found was an intoxicated male sprawled out and passed out on the floor of the store with items he allegedly intended to steal stuffed down his pants and scattered on the floor around him.
Authorities say that they received a call from the Dollar General store and dispatched Officer Ronald Skelton was dispatched to the Park View Plaza on Park Boulevard Thursday night shortly after 8 p.m. in reference to a man lying unconscious on the floor.Skelton stated in his report that he found the man slumped over between two aisles with merchandise scattered around him.
Police say that they tried to awaken him but that he was severly incompasitated and almost non-responsive.The merchandise that was alledgedly shoplifted was mainly household items, Skelton stated in his report.
Between the items on the floor and those stuffed down his pants, the overall value was approximately $45.Hugh Dustin Wolfe, 29, 730 Stroupe Court, Apt. 212, Church Hill, was arrested and is scheduled for arraignment April 9 in Hawkins County Sessions Court on charges including theft under $500 and possession of Schedule II narcotics
.Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Alley assisted Skelton at the scene, and the two officers were able to revive Wolfe.A search of Wolfe revealed him to be in possession of several pills in an unmarked pill container and in a cigarette pack, police said. The pills were later determined to be Soma and Xanax.Due to his high level of intoxication, Wolfe was initially taken to Hawkins County Memorial Hospital for observation before being booked into jail.
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Mother goes on shoplifting spree with 3 children www.privateofficer.com
SACRAMENTO CA. March 30 2008 -- Steve Reed has seen his share of shoplifters in his job in mall security, but the apparent brazen nature of a Northern California mother’s crime even shocked him.The incident began to unfold Monday at Sacramento’s Arden Fair Mall on Monday."It initially started out with a complaint about a dog in a car with its windows rolled up," Reed said. "It was a large dog and appeared to be over-heating."The dog was released from the car by animal control officials, but the real crime drama then began to unfold. Soon a mother and three children approached the car as mall security officials watched."When we watched the people come out to the car, we noticed that loss prevention was following closely behind," Reed said.The mother, 41-year-old Christine Brown, was walking to the car with her daughters 5, 9 and 10 years old in tow.They had been shopping at a Sears store inside the mall when they got the attention of undercover security guards."She had allegedly taken numerous items and that she had actually placed some of the items on the children," Reed said.When police arrived on the scene, the extent of Brown’s alleged crime became apparent."She took about $375 worth of merchandise," said Sacramento police Sgt. Lai Bui. "She put the clothing on the children hoping they would be able to walk out of the store with the clothing on."Brown remained in custody on Wednesday and her three children in protective custody."It is disappointing to see parents treating their children this way -- putting their children in danger just for an article of clothing." Bui said.Reed called the alleged crime "heartbreaking.""It’s heartbreaking because if is not sending the right message to children," Reed said.Brown -- who has been arrested on theft charged before -- was being held on potential theft and child endangerment charges.
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Security officer captures bank robber www.privateofficer.com
Security officer captures bank robber
Jackson MS. March 330 2008
By: Bryan Hill /Security News Magazine
www.privateofficer.com
A Jackson teenager is under arrest for bank robbery today after being chased down on foot by a private security officer police said."Witnesses said a (man) entered the BankPlus location on Dalton Street just before 10 a.m.and handed the teller a note demanding a specific amount of money," JPD spokesman Sgt. Jeffery Scott said. "He asked for $5,000."Scott would not say how much money the teller gave him.Police identified the alleged robber as 19-year-old Allen Michael Hill, who was captured by the female security officer after a short chase in the 800 block of Rose Street.Hill faces a charge of bank robbery. Police credit the alert security officer and her willingness to put her own life in jepordy with the fast apprehension and arrest of the bank robber.Police did not say if either the security officer or Hill were armed.Investigators have not determined whether to turn Hill’s case over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jackson MS. March 330 2008
By: Bryan Hill /Security News Magazine
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A Jackson teenager is under arrest for bank robbery today after being chased down on foot by a private security officer police said."Witnesses said a (man) entered the BankPlus location on Dalton Street just before 10 a.m.and handed the teller a note demanding a specific amount of money," JPD spokesman Sgt. Jeffery Scott said. "He asked for $5,000."Scott would not say how much money the teller gave him.Police identified the alleged robber as 19-year-old Allen Michael Hill, who was captured by the female security officer after a short chase in the 800 block of Rose Street.Hill faces a charge of bank robbery. Police credit the alert security officer and her willingness to put her own life in jepordy with the fast apprehension and arrest of the bank robber.Police did not say if either the security officer or Hill were armed.Investigators have not determined whether to turn Hill’s case over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Police officer charged with theft www.privateofficer.com
Police officer charged with theft
Sarcoxie Mo. March 30 2008
By: Rick McCann
Ntl Assoc. Private Officerswww.privateofficer.com
Police say that they were notified by an area resident that they had accidentially left their cellphone and wallet at a local conveneince store.Investigating officers were able to locate the items and the person responsible for taking them but they are surprised at who the culprit turned out to be.Authorities say that the store clerk working behind the cash register, Charissa Garber was their suspect, but she’s also a law enforcement officer.Garber is employed as a police officer with the Jasper Missouri Police Department and a former jailer with the Jasper County Detention Center.Authorities say she had been working as a clerk at a Sarcoxie convenience store, and say she stole a wallet and cell phone that a customer had left on the counter.Garber is charged with felony theft and has been suspended from the Jasper Police Department.Authorities did not say how long Garber has been employed by Jasper police or what led them to her being a suspect in the theft.
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Sarcoxie Mo. March 30 2008
By: Rick McCann
Ntl Assoc. Private Officerswww.privateofficer.com
Police say that they were notified by an area resident that they had accidentially left their cellphone and wallet at a local conveneince store.Investigating officers were able to locate the items and the person responsible for taking them but they are surprised at who the culprit turned out to be.Authorities say that the store clerk working behind the cash register, Charissa Garber was their suspect, but she’s also a law enforcement officer.Garber is employed as a police officer with the Jasper Missouri Police Department and a former jailer with the Jasper County Detention Center.Authorities say she had been working as a clerk at a Sarcoxie convenience store, and say she stole a wallet and cell phone that a customer had left on the counter.Garber is charged with felony theft and has been suspended from the Jasper Police Department.Authorities did not say how long Garber has been employed by Jasper police or what led them to her being a suspect in the theft.
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Security officer arrested in robbery scheme www.privateofficer.com
Security officer arrested in robbery scheme
Albany GA. March 30 2008
by: Rick McCannwww.privateofficer.com
The Ntl Assoc. Private Officers
— Police responded to a robbery at a local business and wound up arresting the arresting the security guard who was suppose to be protecting the business.Police say that the northwest Albany shoe store security guard who they believe falsely reported that someone dropped from the ceiling of the store Monday night and bashed him in the head with a shotgun before robbing the store, police said Wednesday.Freddie Green, 26, was arrested just after midnight Tuesday on charges of armed robbery and making false statements and concealing facts in connection with the robbery that took place at the Dawson Road Shoe Station, according to jail records. He was still being held in the jail as of Wednesday evening, a jailer said.Green initially told police officers on Monday night that a man was waiting and dropped from the ceiling in the men’s restroom and bashed him in the head with a shotgun before forcing him to the manager’s office, which was locked from the inside because manager Ta’Tanisha Turner was inside counting money.Turner told police she opened the door after hearing a crash and Green yelling and found another man pointing a shotgun at her. The shotgun-wielding robber then tied the two up in the manager’s office, Turner told police.Police noted during their initial investigation that where Green had crashed through the ceiling tiles from climbing through the ceiling to get out of the manager’s office, but there were no disturbed tiles in the store’s restrooms. Police also noted that there was no visible forced entry from the store’s roof.There may be additional arrests in the case, Albany Police Department spokesperson Phyllis Banks-Whitley said.The robbers made off with cash, according to a police report.Any one with information pertaining to the case can call (229) 436-TIPS.Lee County and Albany police officials say there hasn’t been an unusual trend developing in "internal" thefts or robberies.In late February, a Chili’s employee told police he was robbed and beaten by six men in the parking lot of the store, but later confessed to police he made the story up and that a former Chili’s employee snatched about $60 from him as payment on a football wager."I mean, it happens. Employee theft, false reports are something that do happen from time to time, but this is the first one we’ve had in a while," said Lee County Chief Deputy Dennis Parker. "It’s not a trend or a rash of them, but it is something that happens from time to time."Banks-Whitley said the APD had also not seen a particular increase in internal thefts or robberies.Parker pointed out that employee theft typically makes up about 70 percent of a store’s losses.
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Albany GA. March 30 2008
by: Rick McCannwww.privateofficer.com
The Ntl Assoc. Private Officers
— Police responded to a robbery at a local business and wound up arresting the arresting the security guard who was suppose to be protecting the business.Police say that the northwest Albany shoe store security guard who they believe falsely reported that someone dropped from the ceiling of the store Monday night and bashed him in the head with a shotgun before robbing the store, police said Wednesday.Freddie Green, 26, was arrested just after midnight Tuesday on charges of armed robbery and making false statements and concealing facts in connection with the robbery that took place at the Dawson Road Shoe Station, according to jail records. He was still being held in the jail as of Wednesday evening, a jailer said.Green initially told police officers on Monday night that a man was waiting and dropped from the ceiling in the men’s restroom and bashed him in the head with a shotgun before forcing him to the manager’s office, which was locked from the inside because manager Ta’Tanisha Turner was inside counting money.Turner told police she opened the door after hearing a crash and Green yelling and found another man pointing a shotgun at her. The shotgun-wielding robber then tied the two up in the manager’s office, Turner told police.Police noted during their initial investigation that where Green had crashed through the ceiling tiles from climbing through the ceiling to get out of the manager’s office, but there were no disturbed tiles in the store’s restrooms. Police also noted that there was no visible forced entry from the store’s roof.There may be additional arrests in the case, Albany Police Department spokesperson Phyllis Banks-Whitley said.The robbers made off with cash, according to a police report.Any one with information pertaining to the case can call (229) 436-TIPS.Lee County and Albany police officials say there hasn’t been an unusual trend developing in "internal" thefts or robberies.In late February, a Chili’s employee told police he was robbed and beaten by six men in the parking lot of the store, but later confessed to police he made the story up and that a former Chili’s employee snatched about $60 from him as payment on a football wager."I mean, it happens. Employee theft, false reports are something that do happen from time to time, but this is the first one we’ve had in a while," said Lee County Chief Deputy Dennis Parker. "It’s not a trend or a rash of them, but it is something that happens from time to time."Banks-Whitley said the APD had also not seen a particular increase in internal thefts or robberies.Parker pointed out that employee theft typically makes up about 70 percent of a store’s losses.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
Loss Prevention News www.privateofficer.com
OHIO
A man with a knife threatened Walmart security staff in the early hours of this morning.
The incident took place at the store, in the Northern Orbital Shopping Centre, at 1.30am.
Security staff at the store were confronted by three men, one of whom was brandishing a knife.
Police were alerted and responded immediately.
The three men were then detained and the man with the knife was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon, and also for a drug related charge.
A second man was also arrested for a drug related offense.
The incident took place at the store, in the Northern Orbital Shopping Centre, at 1.30am.
Security staff at the store were confronted by three men, one of whom was brandishing a knife.
Police were alerted and responded immediately.
The three men were then detained and the man with the knife was arrested for carrying an offensive weapon, and also for a drug related charge.
A second man was also arrested for a drug related offense.
A 19-year-old man was arrested at 3:45 p.m. Jan. 22 at the King Soopers at 995 S. Hover St on suspicion of theft. A security officer for the store called police. Upon arrival at the scene, the security man told officers that he witnessed the man conceal and not pay for two packs of cigarettes and an avocado. When officers attempted to take the man into custody, he was using his cell phone to send a text message. One officer told the man to put the phone down, to which the man replied, "Can't I finish my message?" The man was then told to get up by the security officer, and he obliged. The man was released on a summons.
INDPENDENCE MO
A 19-year-old Independence resident believed to have fired a shotgun in a dispute Saturday afternoon just outside the Target store in Independence was to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court late this morning, according to Tom Gentry, Independence police spokesman.
The teen, whose name was not released, allegedly fired a shotgun, wounding two 18-year-old Kansas City men. Both victims were taken to a hospital Saturday with non-life threatening injuries, Gentry said.
Independence Police Captain Ken Jarnagin said the events leading to the shooting near the Bolger Square shopping center are still under investigation. However, the dispute seems to have begun perhaps as long as two months ago and seemed to have been carried from Kansas City to Independence, Jarnagin said.
"There's still a lot of things we're trying to figure out," he said.
The teen was apprehended near the scene of the shooting and taken into custody shortly after the incident, which occurred about 12:15 p.m.
The victims went to a nearby optometry building, where they asked employees to call police. Those who were injured drove a red SUV, which had many bullet holes.
Kirk Bayne of Independence said he and his wife were inside the Target shopping when they heard someone say there had been a shooting outside. When Bayne and his wife got into the parking lot, they discovered their parked car had been hit by the gunfire. It had bullet holes and the rear window has been shot out.
"If only my car could talk," Bayne joked.
Marty Schmuhl, who lives behind the Target store, said he heard no shots, but followed a police vehicle into the Target store while officers inside were in pursuit of the suspects. "There was like a flurry of activity out here," Schmuhl said. "Isn't that something," he said, shaking his head. "That this would happen in bright daylight in Independence.
A 19-year-old Independence resident believed to have fired a shotgun in a dispute Saturday afternoon just outside the Target store in Independence was to appear in Jackson County Circuit Court late this morning, according to Tom Gentry, Independence police spokesman.
The teen, whose name was not released, allegedly fired a shotgun, wounding two 18-year-old Kansas City men. Both victims were taken to a hospital Saturday with non-life threatening injuries, Gentry said.
Independence Police Captain Ken Jarnagin said the events leading to the shooting near the Bolger Square shopping center are still under investigation. However, the dispute seems to have begun perhaps as long as two months ago and seemed to have been carried from Kansas City to Independence, Jarnagin said.
"There's still a lot of things we're trying to figure out," he said.
The teen was apprehended near the scene of the shooting and taken into custody shortly after the incident, which occurred about 12:15 p.m.
The victims went to a nearby optometry building, where they asked employees to call police. Those who were injured drove a red SUV, which had many bullet holes.
Kirk Bayne of Independence said he and his wife were inside the Target shopping when they heard someone say there had been a shooting outside. When Bayne and his wife got into the parking lot, they discovered their parked car had been hit by the gunfire. It had bullet holes and the rear window has been shot out.
"If only my car could talk," Bayne joked.
Marty Schmuhl, who lives behind the Target store, said he heard no shots, but followed a police vehicle into the Target store while officers inside were in pursuit of the suspects. "There was like a flurry of activity out here," Schmuhl said. "Isn't that something," he said, shaking his head. "That this would happen in bright daylight in Independence.
MERCED CA.
Four teenagers, ages 15 to 17, were arrested Friday night at Save Mart, 1136 W. Main St., on charges of robbery, conspiracy, resisting arrest and gang enhancements after a foiled shoplifting attempt.
Lt. Roger McIntyre of the Merced Police Department said one of the boys went to the liquor aisle of the grocery store and put bottles of liquor down the sleeves of his jacket while a friend acted as a lookout and they left the store without paying.
Four teenagers, ages 15 to 17, were arrested Friday night at Save Mart, 1136 W. Main St., on charges of robbery, conspiracy, resisting arrest and gang enhancements after a foiled shoplifting attempt.
Lt. Roger McIntyre of the Merced Police Department said one of the boys went to the liquor aisle of the grocery store and put bottles of liquor down the sleeves of his jacket while a friend acted as a lookout and they left the store without paying.
The teens, several of them validated criminal street gang members, interfered with store loss prevention officers' attempts to arrest them.
RICHLAND PA.
A 17-year-old Quakertown girl was arrested Jan. 18 for retail theft after she stole $87 worth of jewelry from Kohl's Department Store on Route 309, said Richland police. In related charges, another 17-year-old Quakertown girl was arrested for retail theft for stealing more than $54 worth of jewelry from Kohl's, said police. The names of the girls were withheld by police because of their ages.
A 17-year-old Quakertown girl was arrested Jan. 18 for retail theft after she stole $87 worth of jewelry from Kohl's Department Store on Route 309, said Richland police. In related charges, another 17-year-old Quakertown girl was arrested for retail theft for stealing more than $54 worth of jewelry from Kohl's, said police. The names of the girls were withheld by police because of their ages.
Bismarck ND
Bismarck police say six people were arrested by store security for shoplifting yesterday. Three different women were caught shoplifting from the South Walmart, together taking more than $130 worth of makeup, clothing, and other items. A 39-year-old woman was arrested at the North Walmart for stealing a camera, sheets, and other assorted items worth a total of more than $350. An off-duty police officer was in the area when she was caught. Because of the amount the merchandise was worth, she will be charged with a class A misdemeanor. A homeless man was caught stealing a $10 stocking cap from Scheels. He said he was cold and had no money. Finally, a 44-year-old Bismarck woman was arrested at Kohls for stealing about $80 worth of clothes.
Bismarck police say six people were arrested by store security for shoplifting yesterday. Three different women were caught shoplifting from the South Walmart, together taking more than $130 worth of makeup, clothing, and other items. A 39-year-old woman was arrested at the North Walmart for stealing a camera, sheets, and other assorted items worth a total of more than $350. An off-duty police officer was in the area when she was caught. Because of the amount the merchandise was worth, she will be charged with a class A misdemeanor. A homeless man was caught stealing a $10 stocking cap from Scheels. He said he was cold and had no money. Finally, a 44-year-old Bismarck woman was arrested at Kohls for stealing about $80 worth of clothes.
NYC. A security guard at the Apple computer store at 103 Prince St. at the corner of Greene St. stopped a man who was walking out of the store without paying for four software discs in his jacket pocket at 5:45 a.m. Sun., Jan. 13, police said. Scott Smith, 37, was charged with third degree burglary, larceny and possession of stolen property, according to prosecutors.
Brooklyn NY Police arrested Maurice Cato, 36, of Brooklyn, at about 5:15 p.m. Sun., Jan. 13 in the Louis Vuitton boutique at 116 Greene St. at Prince St. for trying to walk out of the place without paying for a bag valued at $3,250, according to the district attorney’s office. The suspect was charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property.
NYC Three suspects charged with shoplifting 25 pairs of designer jeans with a total value of $5,573 from the Bloomingdale’s Soho store at 504 Broadway at Broome St. on Thurs., Jan. 10 pleaded guilty on Jan. 21, according to the district attorney’s office.
NEW HARTFORD NY - A Utica woman who has been arrested 23 times under eight different names was charged following a shoplifting incident at the Kids Deal store on Monday, police said. Doris S. McDade, 41, was transported to the New Hartford Police Department where during the processing, a criminal history search revealed she had been previously arrested 23 times including a 1989 conviction for manslaughter in New York City, police said. McDade was arraigned and sent to Oneida County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bond. Her case will be heard in New Hartford court at a later date, police said.
Tifton GA-- A Tifton Police officer on patrol early Saturday morning busted a Florida man who had climbed on top of the Tifton Mall and was stealing copper from air conditioning units.
Officer Danny Hayes spotted a U-Haul truck behind the mall. Thirty-seven-year-old John Eugene Odom was using that truck to store commercial grade cooling units that he had just stolen from heating and air conditioning systems on the rooftop of the mall.
"During the night he was apparently going on top of the roof stripping the AC units to obtain the copper, primarily the copper parts of it to sell for scrap," says Tifton Police Detective Raleigh Coarsey.
Odom is being held in the Tift County Jail facing felony theft charges. No word on how much it will cost to fix the damaged units.
Officer Danny Hayes spotted a U-Haul truck behind the mall. Thirty-seven-year-old John Eugene Odom was using that truck to store commercial grade cooling units that he had just stolen from heating and air conditioning systems on the rooftop of the mall.
"During the night he was apparently going on top of the roof stripping the AC units to obtain the copper, primarily the copper parts of it to sell for scrap," says Tifton Police Detective Raleigh Coarsey.
Odom is being held in the Tift County Jail facing felony theft charges. No word on how much it will cost to fix the damaged units.
BENSALEM PA
Mike Phipps, 39, 600 block Clymer Ave., Morrisville, 2:43 p.m., Sun, theft by unlawful taking at Sears, Neshaminy Mall, to receive summons.
Mike Phipps, 39, 600 block Clymer Ave., Morrisville, 2:43 p.m., Sun, theft by unlawful taking at Sears, Neshaminy Mall, to receive summons.
NASHVILLE TN.
A 21-year-old man and a 23-year-old employee of a Walgreens store were arrested on charges the man donned a clown mask and held up the store — and that the employee helped him set it up.
Metro police arrested Marcus Rucker of Curdwood Boulevard today on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and theft of property, in connection with a Jan. 8 robbery at a Walgreens store on North Gallatin Pike.
Patricia Young was forced to put pills in a bag at gunpoint during the robbery, but police said she gave Rucker the code to the men’s bathroom so he could put on the clown mask, and lead her out with a gun to her back.
Young was charged with theft of property on Sunday. Rucker is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
Metro police arrested Marcus Rucker of Curdwood Boulevard today on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and theft of property, in connection with a Jan. 8 robbery at a Walgreens store on North Gallatin Pike.
Patricia Young was forced to put pills in a bag at gunpoint during the robbery, but police said she gave Rucker the code to the men’s bathroom so he could put on the clown mask, and lead her out with a gun to her back.
Young was charged with theft of property on Sunday. Rucker is being held in lieu of $100,000 bond.
University Executive Pleads Guilty To Shoplifting www.privateofficer.com
EDMOND OKL. Jan 28, 2008 — The executive director of alumni relations at the University of Central Oklahoma pleaded no contest to a larceny charge Thursday in Oklahoma City Municipal Court
Stacy McNeiland, 37, of Oklahoma City was fined $219. She also was ordered to pay $117 for the time she spent in jail.
McNeiland was arrested at J.C. Penney"s, 1901 NW Expressway, after a store security officer said he watched a woman take five items of clothing into a fitting room, according to an Oklahoma City police report.
When the woman left the fitting room, the officer said only four items were hung on the courtesy rack. One item of clothing was hung on two hangers, the report states.
The officer said he found a discarded tag from a blouse left in the fitting room, the report shows. A blouse was found in a paper bag the woman was carrying as she left the store without paying for the merchandise, according to the report. The officer reported that the bag was empty when the woman went into the fitting room.
The woman, later identified as McNeiland, repeatedly told the officer the incident was a mistake, the report states.
McNeiland was on vacation Friday from her university job. She has not worked since her arrest Nov. 5.
University spokesman Charlie Johnson said he could not comment because the issue was a personnel matter.
Stacy McNeiland, 37, of Oklahoma City was fined $219. She also was ordered to pay $117 for the time she spent in jail.
McNeiland was arrested at J.C. Penney"s, 1901 NW Expressway, after a store security officer said he watched a woman take five items of clothing into a fitting room, according to an Oklahoma City police report.
When the woman left the fitting room, the officer said only four items were hung on the courtesy rack. One item of clothing was hung on two hangers, the report states.
The officer said he found a discarded tag from a blouse left in the fitting room, the report shows. A blouse was found in a paper bag the woman was carrying as she left the store without paying for the merchandise, according to the report. The officer reported that the bag was empty when the woman went into the fitting room.
The woman, later identified as McNeiland, repeatedly told the officer the incident was a mistake, the report states.
McNeiland was on vacation Friday from her university job. She has not worked since her arrest Nov. 5.
University spokesman Charlie Johnson said he could not comment because the issue was a personnel matter.
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Officers injured during shoplifting arrest www.privateofficer.com
Colorado Springs CO. Jan 28, 2008
Two Colorado Springs police officers were hurt during a scuffle with a shoplifting suspect Friday afternoon.
Police were called to the Sears department store on Southgate Road around 2:30 p.m., for a suspected shoplifter who had left before store security officers could detain him.
Police said Donald Alan Watts, 29, came back to the store while officers were there, and officers saw him stealing more items, police said. Watts fought back when officers tried to arrest him, and they fired Tasers at him twice, to no effect.
He was arrested when more officers arrived, police said.
Watts was booked into El Paso County jail on suspicion of assault on a police officer and warrants for robbery, shoplifting and contempt of court.
Two officers received minor injuries, police said.
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School security officers charged with "Ghost Payrolling" theft www.privateofficer.com
WAUKEGAN IL. Jan 28 2008 -- A six-month investigation into alleged ghost-payrolling at the Waukegan Public School District led to the arrest this week of two district security guards on felony theft charges.
Taken into custody Wednesday was Anthony Artley, 41, of the 500 block of Lakehurst in Waukegan, while the second suspect, 47-year-old DeWayne Williams of the 39000 block of Ackworth, Beach Park, reportedly turned himself in to police on Thursday.
Williams is known in the Waukegan sports community as the backfield mate of the late Gerald Green, the Waukegan West track and football All-American. Williams has been employed as the supervisor of safety at the Waukegan Ninth Grade Center.
Police Chief William Biang said Williams and Artley, a fellow Ninth Grade Center employee, are accused of arranging to be paid for time they did not work. The arrests were the result of an investigation launched in July after school officials asked police to look into allegations of payroll and accounting irregularities.
Asked how much money the men are accused of taking, Biang said, "It's all still under investigation. We're not done counting it, and there are more things that might come out." Biang added that the amounts "will be substantial."
Both men are charged with Class 3 felony theft.
Following their arrests, Artley and Williams were released on $35,000 personal recognizance bonds.
Officials also said they have been placed on administrative leave by the school district.
Officials asked that anyone with information call detectives at (847) 599-2947.
Taken into custody Wednesday was Anthony Artley, 41, of the 500 block of Lakehurst in Waukegan, while the second suspect, 47-year-old DeWayne Williams of the 39000 block of Ackworth, Beach Park, reportedly turned himself in to police on Thursday.
Williams is known in the Waukegan sports community as the backfield mate of the late Gerald Green, the Waukegan West track and football All-American. Williams has been employed as the supervisor of safety at the Waukegan Ninth Grade Center.
Police Chief William Biang said Williams and Artley, a fellow Ninth Grade Center employee, are accused of arranging to be paid for time they did not work. The arrests were the result of an investigation launched in July after school officials asked police to look into allegations of payroll and accounting irregularities.
Asked how much money the men are accused of taking, Biang said, "It's all still under investigation. We're not done counting it, and there are more things that might come out." Biang added that the amounts "will be substantial."
Both men are charged with Class 3 felony theft.
Following their arrests, Artley and Williams were released on $35,000 personal recognizance bonds.
Officials also said they have been placed on administrative leave by the school district.
Officials asked that anyone with information call detectives at (847) 599-2947.
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K-Mart Employee Arrested For Refund Scam www.privateofficer.com
Maysville Ohio Jan 28, 2008
A Mason County grand jury met Friday and returned indictments against 11 people, one of which was indicted for allegedly stealing several thousand dollars from her employer, Kmart.Mary Jane Cooper, 49, of Maysville, an 18-year veteran employee of the Maysville Kmart store appeared in Mason County District Court in October 2007 on charges of theft for allegedly stealing between $3,600 and $3,700 from the store; at the time of her court appearance Cooper entered a plea of not guilty.In a previous interview, Detective Mike Palmer with the Maysville Police Department said 49-year-old Cooper had been charged with two felony counts of theft by deception and one misdemeanor count of theft by deception, though more charges were possible.The indictment handed down Friday charges Cooper with one count theft by failure to make required disposition when she took an amount in excess of $300. The penalty for the charge is one to five years.According to Palmer, police were alerted to the possible theft through Kmart's loss prevention department.Allegedly, Cooper stole the money through the fraudulent processing of return and exchange paperwork for nonexistent items, then pocketed the money. Palmer said it appeared Cooper would use a receipt for items purchased earlier, then cash out a refund, without the item being returned. After numerous items which were supposedly returned could not be found, officials with the store became suspicious.
The thefts allegedly occurred over a period of time beginning in December 2005 through September 2007.A spokesperson for Kmart would not comment on the situation citing a corporate policy and ongoing litigation.
A Mason County grand jury met Friday and returned indictments against 11 people, one of which was indicted for allegedly stealing several thousand dollars from her employer, Kmart.Mary Jane Cooper, 49, of Maysville, an 18-year veteran employee of the Maysville Kmart store appeared in Mason County District Court in October 2007 on charges of theft for allegedly stealing between $3,600 and $3,700 from the store; at the time of her court appearance Cooper entered a plea of not guilty.In a previous interview, Detective Mike Palmer with the Maysville Police Department said 49-year-old Cooper had been charged with two felony counts of theft by deception and one misdemeanor count of theft by deception, though more charges were possible.The indictment handed down Friday charges Cooper with one count theft by failure to make required disposition when she took an amount in excess of $300. The penalty for the charge is one to five years.According to Palmer, police were alerted to the possible theft through Kmart's loss prevention department.Allegedly, Cooper stole the money through the fraudulent processing of return and exchange paperwork for nonexistent items, then pocketed the money. Palmer said it appeared Cooper would use a receipt for items purchased earlier, then cash out a refund, without the item being returned. After numerous items which were supposedly returned could not be found, officials with the store became suspicious.
The thefts allegedly occurred over a period of time beginning in December 2005 through September 2007.A spokesperson for Kmart would not comment on the situation citing a corporate policy and ongoing litigation.
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County employees arrested for theft of money www.privateofficer.com
Chicago IL. Jan 28, 2008
Three former Cook County government employees and five others have been charged with stealing as much as $1.6 million, including more than $500,000 from taxpayers.
The county workers accused in the fraud scheme are employees of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's job training program, known as the President’s Office of Employment Training, or POET.
The three former employees are Roberto Rivera, Ronald Harper and Rudolph Sanchez. Each held high-ranking positions in POET. Rivera and Harper appeared in court this afternoon, while Sanchez awaits extradition from New Mexico, prosecutors said.
Others charged include Charles Koen, a convicted felon who is pastor of Christian Hope Church in Chicago; and Alex Brooks, a reverend there, prosecutors said.
Also charged are Joyce Norfleet and Dorothy Taylor, employees at what prosecutors say was a shell company set up by Koen.
Harper was led from his office Thursday in handcuffs. He's been fired, officials said.
The county POET office gets millions of dollars in county, state and federal funds to provide job training.
In 2005, POET fiscal manager Shirley Glover was charged with stealing more than $180,000 from the agency. Described by prosecutors as “unqualified” and “inept,” she was hired at the urging of top county patronage chiefs despite having 10 previous felony convictions for crimes including theft. Records showed she never formally applied for the job and was hired by ex-Board President John Stroger.
State’s Attorney Richard Devine said then there were a “lack of controls” and “significant looseness” in oversight of POET funds — concerns that led state officials to label the county POET program as “high-risk,” meaning no funds could be withdrawn without state approval.
Glover remains free on bail after pleading not guilty. She last appeared in court on Wednesday.
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Shoplifter, fraud suspect arrested www.privateofficer.com
Rogers Ark.
Sonia Francis Viers, 35, of Bella Vista and an acquaintance, Timothy Ray Bornowski, 45, of Rogers were arrested in connection with forging checks, possessing fake identification cards and theft of property.Wal-Mart loss-prevention personnel notified police on Jan. 15 that Viers had purchased several items with a possibly forged check at 4208 Pleasant Crossing, according to the news release.
Bornowski was caught shoplifting, loss-prevention personnel said. Officers said they found several forged checks and fake driver's licenses on both Bornowski and Viers.Police searched Viers' vehicle and found more checks and driver's licenses, according to the news release.Viers and Bornowski were charged Jan. 15 with felony second-degree forgery and misdemeanor theft of property. They were transported to Benton County Jail and each released on a $20,000 bond.Viers was arrested again on Friday in connection with 21 felony counts of first-degree forgery and 12 counts of second-degree forgery.Viers was being held Friday in the Benton County Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
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SWAT, 20 officers respond to shoplifting gone wrong www.privateofficer.com
El CAJON CA. Jan 28 2008
More than two dozen police officers surrounded a Marshalls store about 2 p.m. yesterday to investigate an apparent shoplifting incident.
El Cajon police Lt. Jim Redman said police initially thought it might have been an armed robbery, and two of the officers were in SWAT gear.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of trying to steal clothing in two duffel bags they had brought into the store, at the corner of Fletcher Parkway and Jackman Street near Westfield Parkway Plaza.
Dozens of passers-by stopped to see what was happening, and Marshalls was evacuated during the incident. No employees or shoppers were injured. About 10 customers were inside the store at the time.
Redman said that shortly after the arrest, one of the suspects began vomiting, so paramedics were called and he was taken to a hospital
El Cajon police Lt. Jim Redman said police initially thought it might have been an armed robbery, and two of the officers were in SWAT gear.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of trying to steal clothing in two duffel bags they had brought into the store, at the corner of Fletcher Parkway and Jackman Street near Westfield Parkway Plaza.
Dozens of passers-by stopped to see what was happening, and Marshalls was evacuated during the incident. No employees or shoppers were injured. About 10 customers were inside the store at the time.
Redman said that shortly after the arrest, one of the suspects began vomiting, so paramedics were called and he was taken to a hospital
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Shoplifter assaults LP agent and flees www.privateofficer.com
Massillion Oh Jan 28 2008
Uniontown man faces a felony robbery charge in connection with a theft Monday at Wal-Mart in Jackson Township.
Court records show Dustin Frank Luman, 23, of 3414 Parfoure Blvd., Uniontown, used a razor knife to cut open a cell phone package. He reportedly placed the cell phone in his jacket, then returned the empty package to the shelf.
Store security confronted Luman, but he pulled away and assulted the security agent and ran from the store, according to court records. Luman was tracked down a short time later outside the store.
Officers searched Luman and found razor blades, wire cutters and a bag of marijuana in his pockets, according to court records.
Bond was set at $25,000 for Luman who also was charged with possession of criminal tools and possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for 11 a.m. Jan. 30.
Uniontown man faces a felony robbery charge in connection with a theft Monday at Wal-Mart in Jackson Township.
Court records show Dustin Frank Luman, 23, of 3414 Parfoure Blvd., Uniontown, used a razor knife to cut open a cell phone package. He reportedly placed the cell phone in his jacket, then returned the empty package to the shelf.
Store security confronted Luman, but he pulled away and assulted the security agent and ran from the store, according to court records. Luman was tracked down a short time later outside the store.
Officers searched Luman and found razor blades, wire cutters and a bag of marijuana in his pockets, according to court records.
Bond was set at $25,000 for Luman who also was charged with possession of criminal tools and possession of marijuana, both misdemeanors. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for 11 a.m. Jan. 30.
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Fla. Shoplifting Gang Steals $100 Million In Goods www.privateofficer.com
LAKELAND FLA. Jan 28 2008 -- A multi-agency investigation that began with a single shoplifting incident about seven months ago has revealed an 18-person crime ring that may be responsible for the theft of up to $100 million worth of medicine and health and beauty goods from convenience and grocery stores statewide, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Thursday.The investigation started with two shoplifters at a Publix supermarket on Shepherd Road in Lakeland on June 26, Judd said at a news conference in Lakeland on Thursday afternoon.Rita Maddox and Elisha Cordle of Dover stole nearly $4,500 worth of Oil of Olay products that day, placing them into special bags designed to conceal stolen goods, Judd said.To law enforcement, it seemed like a regular shoplifting incident and the two were charged with grand theft. But after speaking with confidential sources, Judd said, a sheriff's detective uncovered something more: the single largest organized crime ring of its kind in Polk County Sheriff's Office history.On Thursday, after executing five search warrants, 14 people were arrested and charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Five of those people are already serving jail or prison time, Judd said. Four more people are still wanted on the same charges.Judd said many more may be involved."I highly suspect that this is just a tentacle of a larger operation," he said. "This is truly more of the beginning of the investigation than its end."Maddox and Cordle were just two of at least 13 stealthy shoplifters who stole between $60 million and $100 million worth of over-the-counter medicines and beauty and health products from hundreds of convenience and grocery stores in at least 11 counties, Judd said.They reported to two middlemen and two ringleaders, who in turn sold the products out of two warehouses, three flea markets, including one in Auburndale, and two Web sites, including a long-standing eBay.com account.The crime ring has been operating for at least five years, Judd said.The investigation began after Maddox and Cordle, who have a child together, were arrested in June.It spanned seven months and included the sheriff's offices of Polk and Hillsborough counties, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Attorney General Bill McCollum's office.The retail theft operation was well-concealed. The 13 known shoplifters are all related in some way to each other and most had prior arrests and convictions for shoplifting, Judd said.They used bags designed to conceal the stolen items to shoplift from the stores, which they revisited numerous times. On one day, Judd said, investigators watched thefts occur in eight different stores. On another occasion, three people shoplifted from a Publix store while a manager did inventory in the same aisle. They were good at what they did, Judd said.The four who led the ring do not have criminal records, he said.Ringleaders Steven and Kerry Coburn are married and own four homes throughout Seminole County, authorities say. They sold the stolen items on their Web site SaleAwaySavings.com, Judd said, and even offered free shipping to customers in the U.S.One item, a soap and cologne gift set for men, was recently being sold on the site for $48.95. A 110-pack of Nicorette orange-flavored gum was on clearance sale for $159.99.The goods were delivered to the Coburns in cardboard Chiquita and Dole banana boxes. Steven Coburn inspected each box to make sure the items were in top condition. Popular items included Gillette razors and razor blades, Oil of Olay moisturizers and other health-related products, from Tylenol and Excedrin to pregnancy tests and diabetic test strips."He wanted to make sure they were brand names and not generic," said sheriff's Maj. Joe Halman.Coburn even required forms to be signed that stated none of the products were stolen, Judd said.Theresa and Ronald Parrish were the middlemen, police said. They dealt with the shoplifters and paid them as much as $3,000 in cash for each delivery. Theresa Parrish, an eBay member since March 2002, sold some of the items out of her eBay store, Lola's Discount Health and Beauty, officers said.More than 10,000 positive feedback points were left for Parrish from happy eBay members who purchased items such as razor blades, moisturizer and even bras. Buyers left praise for the quality of the products and speed of delivery.Judd said that once they were arrested, the Parrishes quickly confessed."This investigation is just beginning. We know there are others involved," he said.It is not known exactly how much of a profit the operation generated. Although the shoplifters were arrested from time to time, their offenses were thought to be singular events. Until the law enforcement agencies developed the investigation, they did not realize how many people were involved, Judd said.
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Saturday, January 5, 2008
"Booster" shoplifting foiled www.privateofficer.com
WHITE PLAINS NY Jan 5 2008- A Brooklyn woman led security guards on a chase through The Westchester mall to the entrance of New York Hospital before she was captured and arrested on theft and forgery charges Wednesday. An alleged accomplice escaped.
The incident occurred about 3 p.m. when the woman, identified as Shavonne Edwards, 19, and another woman were seen stealing three leather coats worth a total of $2,766 from Barney's in the 125 Westchester Ave. mall, police said.
Security officials told police the women placed the coats in a foil-lined "booster bag,'' designed to defeat store security sensors. When security approached the women outside the store, they dropped the bag and ran.
Police said Edwards ran across Bloomingdale Road to the hospital grounds, where she was captured. The other woman apprently got into a waiting car and escaped.
Edwards, who police said had several false identification cards, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and second-degree forgery, both felonies, and possession of an anti-theft device, a misdemeanor.
Bail and court information was not available.
The incident occurred about 3 p.m. when the woman, identified as Shavonne Edwards, 19, and another woman were seen stealing three leather coats worth a total of $2,766 from Barney's in the 125 Westchester Ave. mall, police said.
Security officials told police the women placed the coats in a foil-lined "booster bag,'' designed to defeat store security sensors. When security approached the women outside the store, they dropped the bag and ran.
Police said Edwards ran across Bloomingdale Road to the hospital grounds, where she was captured. The other woman apprently got into a waiting car and escaped.
Edwards, who police said had several false identification cards, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and second-degree forgery, both felonies, and possession of an anti-theft device, a misdemeanor.
Bail and court information was not available.
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Shoplifters make their rounds gathering loot www.privateofficer.com
Annapolis MD. Jan 5 2008
County police say a pair of shoplifters have brazenly walked out of local stores with two flat-screen televisions, 20 ink cartridges and at least one kitchen mixer during a two-week holiday theft spree.
The men are believed to have hit at least four stores in the area since Dec. 20, stealing $3,000 worth of merchandise in the middle of the work day, often setting off alarms, getting caught on security cameras and ignoring store security officers.
Police said the thieves simply walked out of the Office Depot at the Annapolis Harbour Center Dec. 20 with as many as 20 printer cartridges valued at $1,000.According to a police report the thieves "made several trips from the store to the outside and each time they set off the theft detection alarm." Nevertheless, the duo were able to escape with their loot.T
he store manager said he could not comment on the theft and referred questions to the corporate office.
A corporate representative could not be reached for comment.
The shoplifting streak didn't end when the holidays passed.On Dec. 27, the pair stole a $400 KitchenAid 6-quart mixer from the Bed Bath and Beyond store in the same shopping center.The thieves' most lucrative haul came two days later, when they walked out of the Jennifer Road Circuit City with a pair of flat-screen televisions valued at $1,500.According to police, the first man walked into the store and picked up a television from a display and pretended to browse before leaving the box near the store's entrance. The first man left the building and then the second thief entered, grabbed the television and walked right back out the entrance door. Ten minutes later the pair repeated the procedure, only this time catching the eye of store security.
According to a police report, security "confronted suspect No. 2, who completely ignored him and continued walking with the stolen television into the store's parking lot." The second thief jumped into a van driven by his partner and the two men drove away.An official from the store could not be reached for comment.Police said the first man is white, between the ages of 25 and 30 years old with a bald head and was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. The second suspect is a heavyset black male between the ages of 30 and 40 years old who was last seen wearing a purple football jersey and white hooded jacket.
In every instance, the same pair was seen leaving the scene in a white van with Virginia license plate KHD 7031. According to police, the van, owned by the Rental Car Finance Corp. in Alexandria, Va., was rented from an office in the Verizon Center in Washington."They haven't determined yet if the vehicle is stolen because they haven't been able to contact whoever's rented it," said Cpl. Mark Shawkey, a police spokesman.Representatives from the rental company could not be reached for comment this morning.
The same van is linked to a Christmas Eve disorderly conduct call at a Davidsonville Road CVS pharmacy.Police said the pharmacy called to report a customer harassing a cashier before leaving in a white van that matches the description of the vehicle in the other thefts. Investigators said they believe the men may have been trying to steal the store's cash register.Police said the thieves may have committed other thefts that have gone unreported."A lot of stores will not prosecute in some instances if they get their stuff back," Cpl. Shawkey said.
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Bomb found at Michigan store www.privateofficer.com
Police, fire crews and the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad were called to the Goodwill Store on Ellis Road this morning when an explosive device was found in a donation bin.
At about noon, the bomb squad and military partners determined that the device was, in fact, a military M905 tail fuse which is used as a detonation device for a variety of military explosives. The fuse was live and armed with about a half pound of explosives.
The Bomb Squad moved the device to the Wood Road leaf site and detonated it at about 1:45pm.
Police say no one was injured and they have no suspects at this time.
At about noon, the bomb squad and military partners determined that the device was, in fact, a military M905 tail fuse which is used as a detonation device for a variety of military explosives. The fuse was live and armed with about a half pound of explosives.
The Bomb Squad moved the device to the Wood Road leaf site and detonated it at about 1:45pm.
Police say no one was injured and they have no suspects at this time.
Best Buy Employees Busted For Theft www.privateofficer.com
BRIDGEWATER NJ Jan 5 2008— Three Best Buy employees have been charged with stealing merchandise from the store on Commons Way.
Charged with theft, and conspiracy to commit theft, are Michael Lombardozzi, 25, 1178 Fairfield Road, Bridgewater; Jose Caraballo, 18, 452 Front St., Dunellen, and Randy Billie, 21, of Paterson, all sales associates at the store, according to papers filed in Superior Court.
Caraballo told Bridgewater police that he received a call at home Dec. 28 from another employee to come to the store and pick up a box. Court papers state that Caraballo knew it was a box of a relatively low-priced item that was repacked and contained a higher-priced item.
Caraballo took the box to the cashier and paid the price listed for the lower-priced item, authorities said.
When he got home with the box, Caraballo opened it and found an LCD projector valued at $1,499, according to court papers.
Lombardozzi told police that on Dec. 23 he took a Mac Book Pro, valued at $2,700, and put it in a box of a lower-priced item and gave it to another employee to buy, according to court papers. The other employee then gave it back to Lombardozzi, authorities said.
Billie was charged was following the same steps in taking an X-Box valued at $1,948, authorities said.
Bail was set at $5,000 with a 10 percent bond by Superior Court Judge Julie Marino sitting in Somerville.
A manager at Best Buy had no comment on the matter.
Charged with theft, and conspiracy to commit theft, are Michael Lombardozzi, 25, 1178 Fairfield Road, Bridgewater; Jose Caraballo, 18, 452 Front St., Dunellen, and Randy Billie, 21, of Paterson, all sales associates at the store, according to papers filed in Superior Court.
Caraballo told Bridgewater police that he received a call at home Dec. 28 from another employee to come to the store and pick up a box. Court papers state that Caraballo knew it was a box of a relatively low-priced item that was repacked and contained a higher-priced item.
Caraballo took the box to the cashier and paid the price listed for the lower-priced item, authorities said.
When he got home with the box, Caraballo opened it and found an LCD projector valued at $1,499, according to court papers.
Lombardozzi told police that on Dec. 23 he took a Mac Book Pro, valued at $2,700, and put it in a box of a lower-priced item and gave it to another employee to buy, according to court papers. The other employee then gave it back to Lombardozzi, authorities said.
Billie was charged was following the same steps in taking an X-Box valued at $1,948, authorities said.
Bail was set at $5,000 with a 10 percent bond by Superior Court Judge Julie Marino sitting in Somerville.
A manager at Best Buy had no comment on the matter.
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Shopper aids in take down of shoplifter www.privateofficer.com
MEXICO - Roland Castonguay knew something wasn't quite right Sunday afternoon when he saw Bartley Ray at the Wal-Mart firearms counter."His actions were just so strange. Maybe those feelings had a lot to do with my police training," said Castonguay, a Jay resident who had served with the Oxford County Sheriff's Office a decade ago.Castonguay, now owner of a small business, went to the Mexico Wal-Mart to buy a box of .22-caliber bullets to use for target practice.Ray was also there for bullets."He kept repeating that he wanted the shells while the clerk was helping another customer who was buying paintball gun supplies. He went behind the counter, looking for the shells," Castonguay said. "All that caused me to take notice of him."The clerk told Ray that he couldn't go behind the counter.The clerk then took the box of shells from the locked cabinet, and waited on Ray, but when she asked him to pay for the .30-06 shells at her counter, the 28-year-old Portland man grabbed the box and ran for the door.Although Castonguay, 39, thought Wal-Mart security would respond, he decided to race after Ray. Outside the store in the parking lot, he knocked Ray's right arm just above the wrist, causing the shells to drop to the ground. Ray then fled to what turned out to be a stolen car and sped toward Auburn.Castonguay returned the shells to Wal-Mart personnel, who had in the meantime recorded the license plate number of the stolen 2001 Volkswagen Jetta.Mexico police Sgt. Roy Hodsdon, who with other local officers from Dixfield and Rumford, assisted with the subsequent chase after Ray. He believes Castonguay's actions may have saved someone's life."He could have saved my life or someone else's. We owe him a debt of gratitude," said Hodsdon. "He could easily have saved someone's life."
Unbeknown to Castonguay or others at the time, Ray had already stolen a rifle from a Wal-Mart in Auburn before attempting to steal the ammunition from the Mexico store, police said.After the Mexico incident, Ray led law officers on a 40-mile chase that ended on Minot Avenue in Auburn, where the Jetta he was driving struck two other vehicles.He was arrested on charges of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and operating after revocation, felonies. He remains in Androscoggin County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.Although other charges may be made because the chase took Ray through four jurisdictions, none has been brought by the Oxford County District Attorney's Office, a representative said Thursday afternoon.Castonguay and his wife, Carrie, have operated RCCM Cleaning Services Inc. since they bought Superior Carpet Cleaners of Rumford about six years ago.As a father of two young daughters, Castonguay said owning a business gives him more time with his family than he had when he was in law enforcement.But every now and then, like Sunday afternoon, his law enforcement training kicks in.Castonguay said people have asked him why he took off after Ray."You read about stuff in the news, and I had a good chance to take him away," he said.
Unbeknown to Castonguay or others at the time, Ray had already stolen a rifle from a Wal-Mart in Auburn before attempting to steal the ammunition from the Mexico store, police said.After the Mexico incident, Ray led law officers on a 40-mile chase that ended on Minot Avenue in Auburn, where the Jetta he was driving struck two other vehicles.He was arrested on charges of theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and operating after revocation, felonies. He remains in Androscoggin County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.Although other charges may be made because the chase took Ray through four jurisdictions, none has been brought by the Oxford County District Attorney's Office, a representative said Thursday afternoon.Castonguay and his wife, Carrie, have operated RCCM Cleaning Services Inc. since they bought Superior Carpet Cleaners of Rumford about six years ago.As a father of two young daughters, Castonguay said owning a business gives him more time with his family than he had when he was in law enforcement.But every now and then, like Sunday afternoon, his law enforcement training kicks in.Castonguay said people have asked him why he took off after Ray."You read about stuff in the news, and I had a good chance to take him away," he said.
Shoplifters flee,leave child behind www.privateofficer.com
Mission KS. Jan 5 2008
A couple accused of shoplifting ran from the store and left behind a 10-year-old girl.
It happened at the Family Dollar store on North Conway in Mission. Workers confronted a couple for shoplifting and found stolen towels in the woman's bag.
Store employees called police and tried to keep the couple in the store. But the man pushed a worker away from the door and they both ran.
News reporters spoke to the worker that was pushed. She says, "The husband ran at me, pushed me out of the way. I grabbed him and tried to stop him. Then the lady screamed at me to let him go, because he would try to hit me... I tore his shirt."
Workers tell us the couple had two children with them, a boy and a girl. They say the couple was holding the girl and they thought they wouldn't leave without her. But they ran out the door, leaving her behind.
Workers tell us the boy headed back to the story to get his sister, but the woman shouted at him to get in the car.
The girl was taken to the Mission Police Department. Her mother turned herself into police just before 5 p.m. She'll face robbery charges, instead of theft. Police say this is because pushing the worker is considered an assault.
Officers are working to track down the mother's boyfriend. They say he was shoplifting with her.
It happened at the Family Dollar store on North Conway in Mission. Workers confronted a couple for shoplifting and found stolen towels in the woman's bag.
Store employees called police and tried to keep the couple in the store. But the man pushed a worker away from the door and they both ran.
News reporters spoke to the worker that was pushed. She says, "The husband ran at me, pushed me out of the way. I grabbed him and tried to stop him. Then the lady screamed at me to let him go, because he would try to hit me... I tore his shirt."
Workers tell us the couple had two children with them, a boy and a girl. They say the couple was holding the girl and they thought they wouldn't leave without her. But they ran out the door, leaving her behind.
Workers tell us the boy headed back to the story to get his sister, but the woman shouted at him to get in the car.
The girl was taken to the Mission Police Department. Her mother turned herself into police just before 5 p.m. She'll face robbery charges, instead of theft. Police say this is because pushing the worker is considered an assault.
Officers are working to track down the mother's boyfriend. They say he was shoplifting with her.
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Shoplifter shows up at court high www.privateofficer.com
Omaha NE Jan 5 2008
An 18-year-old Omaha woman might want to add a few New Year's resolutions to her list.
Resolution No. 1: Stop smoking marijuana.Resolution
No. 2: If you break resolution No. 1, don't do it a few hours before you appear in front of a judge.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, the woman entered Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon's courtroom to plead guilty to a shoplifting charge. As all judges do, Bataillon told her he had to make certain that she was of sound mind to enter a plea.
He asked: Are you under the influence of alcohol or drugs right now?
The woman paused.Yes, she said.What? the judge asked.I smoked a blunt, the woman said.She explained that she and a friend had shared a blunt, which is a cigar packed with marijuana.How big was the blunt? the judge asked.She held up her hands six inches apart.I only smoked half of it, the woman said.
When? the judge asked.Eleven, the woman said.This morning or last night?This morning, the woman said.Bataillon glanced at the clock, noting that a mere three hours had passed since then.He then turned to the woman's public defender and asked him if he wanted to consult with her.
A few whispers later, the public defender requested that the hearing be continued.The judge rescheduled the hearing for later this month and urged the woman to show up sober. Bataillon noted that he'll probably include some sort of drug counseling with her sentence.The judge then gave this assessment of her courtroom behavior:
At least she can't be charged with perjury.And he told the woman he appreciated her honesty.
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Saggy pants leads to melee with police www.privateofficer.com
WELLINGTON FLA. Jan 5 2008 — The Tallahassee college student at the center of last week's mall brawl between a local family and deputies had his buttocks exposed and was repeatedly warned to pull up his sagging pants before he was banned from the Mall at Wellington Green in August, sheriff's and the mall's representatives say.
Mall security warned Frantz Leger, 20, three times to adjust his clothing Aug. 16, sheriff's Capt. Greg Richter wrote in an e-mail to Wellington officials Friday recapping the incident.
deputy "said that he had the trousers down to the crack of his ass," Richter said in an interview. "He would pull them up, then pull them right back down."
The family's account is at odds with the mall and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's reports indicate that Leger became belligerent and used "obscene and racial expletives" following the mall's requests.
The mall's general manager, releasing a written statement on the incident for the first time on Friday, said that behavior, not Leger's pants, was why the mall imposed a one-year ban. That conflicts with earlier statements by both the sheriff's office and the Leger family.
The manager, Dorian Zimmer, said it was a customer who first complained about Leger's attire in August. Leger pulled up his pants after an initial request, but law enforcement saw them back down 15 minutes later in the food court, she added.
"It wasn't the fact that the underwear was exposed and baggy pants were on," Zimmer said, noting that many mall shoppers wear baggy jeans. "It was the fact that we felt the situation was indecent."
The Leger family did not return phone calls Friday. Frantz Leger, who initially said he was a student at Florida State University, actually attends Tallahassee Community College; his family has lived in Wellington since 1992.
In an earlier interview, Frantz Leger said his pants were about an inch or two off his waist and the only thing exposed were undergarments. He said he complied with mall security officers' request before they ordered him not to return to the mall.
On Dec. 27, however, Leger returned to the mall, where deputies arrested him on charges of trespassing, sparking a melee with his family that drew at least 20 deputies, a couple of canine units and a sheriff's helicopter to the mall.
Deputies say the family attempted to stop Frantz Leger's arrest. The Leger family said the deputies were the aggressors after it questioned the arrest and leveled racism charges. The family is of Haitian heritage.
Six Leger family members were arrested including Frantz Leger's parents, 52-year-old Joseph F. Leger and 50-year-old Marthe J. Leger, on charges that included resisting arrest and battery on an officer.
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The family's account is at odds with the mall and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's reports indicate that Leger became belligerent and used "obscene and racial expletives" following the mall's requests.
The mall's general manager, releasing a written statement on the incident for the first time on Friday, said that behavior, not Leger's pants, was why the mall imposed a one-year ban. That conflicts with earlier statements by both the sheriff's office and the Leger family.
The manager, Dorian Zimmer, said it was a customer who first complained about Leger's attire in August. Leger pulled up his pants after an initial request, but law enforcement saw them back down 15 minutes later in the food court, she added.
"It wasn't the fact that the underwear was exposed and baggy pants were on," Zimmer said, noting that many mall shoppers wear baggy jeans. "It was the fact that we felt the situation was indecent."
The Leger family did not return phone calls Friday. Frantz Leger, who initially said he was a student at Florida State University, actually attends Tallahassee Community College; his family has lived in Wellington since 1992.
In an earlier interview, Frantz Leger said his pants were about an inch or two off his waist and the only thing exposed were undergarments. He said he complied with mall security officers' request before they ordered him not to return to the mall.
On Dec. 27, however, Leger returned to the mall, where deputies arrested him on charges of trespassing, sparking a melee with his family that drew at least 20 deputies, a couple of canine units and a sheriff's helicopter to the mall.
Deputies say the family attempted to stop Frantz Leger's arrest. The Leger family said the deputies were the aggressors after it questioned the arrest and leveled racism charges. The family is of Haitian heritage.
Six Leger family members were arrested including Frantz Leger's parents, 52-year-old Joseph F. Leger and 50-year-old Marthe J. Leger, on charges that included resisting arrest and battery on an officer.
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College employee charged in ID theft, embezzlement www.privateofficer.com
Charlotte NC Jan 5 2008
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A woman arrested and charged with embezzlement from her job is also suspected of stealing people’s identities at Central Piedmont Community College.
The woman in question was arrested and charged New Year’s Day with two counts of embezzlement and is already out of jail. Police say a different case still under investigation allegedly involving the same person appears to be more involved.
A search warrant says the 18-year-old was a former work study student at CPCC.
Work study is a program giving students campus jobs to help them pay for college.
The former student's supervisor says the woman "used her credit card" to buy items from Wal-Mart.com. The warrant also says the supervisor saw the woman "writing down Social Security numbers and birthdates from employee files she had access to."
Police say one attempted purchase was made from a CPCC computer.
Overall, the warrant says the former student tried to buy 17 items worth just over $4,000 from various Web sites and shipping information was in her name. Those orders were cancelled due to suspected fraud.
But, one order did go through -- an MP3 player for $100.
Police searched the woman's house, confiscated computer equipment, a credit card, business card, prepaid Visa, insurance card, purse, book and student identification in other people's names.
CPCC says due to personnel matters, they can't say if names found on cards at the woman's house match CPCC employees.
It's still an ongoing investigation and the woman has not been charged in this case and that's why we're not showing her face.
Roughly the same time police started this investigation, CPCC notified employees about a possible security breach, asked them to check their credit but found no misuse of CPCC information.
There's no word if the two are connected.
CPCC officials say the college changed some of its security measures after asking employees to check their personal information.
The woman in question was arrested and charged New Year’s Day with two counts of embezzlement and is already out of jail. Police say a different case still under investigation allegedly involving the same person appears to be more involved.
A search warrant says the 18-year-old was a former work study student at CPCC.
Work study is a program giving students campus jobs to help them pay for college.
The former student's supervisor says the woman "used her credit card" to buy items from Wal-Mart.com. The warrant also says the supervisor saw the woman "writing down Social Security numbers and birthdates from employee files she had access to."
Police say one attempted purchase was made from a CPCC computer.
Overall, the warrant says the former student tried to buy 17 items worth just over $4,000 from various Web sites and shipping information was in her name. Those orders were cancelled due to suspected fraud.
But, one order did go through -- an MP3 player for $100.
Police searched the woman's house, confiscated computer equipment, a credit card, business card, prepaid Visa, insurance card, purse, book and student identification in other people's names.
CPCC says due to personnel matters, they can't say if names found on cards at the woman's house match CPCC employees.
It's still an ongoing investigation and the woman has not been charged in this case and that's why we're not showing her face.
Roughly the same time police started this investigation, CPCC notified employees about a possible security breach, asked them to check their credit but found no misuse of CPCC information.
There's no word if the two are connected.
CPCC officials say the college changed some of its security measures after asking employees to check their personal information.
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Shoplifters sent to prison for selling stolen items on eBay www.privateofficer.com
FARGO, N.D. Jan 5 2008
A man who admitted helping his former girlfriend run an Internet shoplifting ring says he did not deserve a sentence that was six months longer than hers. Prosecutors and a federal judge disagreed.
David Soldier, of Moorhead, Minn., was sentenced Friday to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to sell stolen goods from three states on the online auction site eBay.
Michelle Kartes, also of Moorhead, was sentenced earlier to two years in prison. Prosecutors said her sentence was appropriate because she cooperated with authorities and promised to testify against Soldier.
"That's the only difference between the two of them," Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer said during Friday's sentencing hearing.
Authorities said Soldier and Kartes sold between $200,000 and $400,000 worth of stolen goods on eBay, targeting stores in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Defense attorney Christopher Lancaster argued that Kartes was the leader of the operation and Soldier did not deserve more time based on federal sentencing guidelines for people who supervise or manage a conspiracy.
"David is less culpable than Miss Kartes in this conspiracy," said Lancaster, who offered a chart showing Soldier was responsible for handling about 30 percent of the stolen merchandise.
"Does that make him a minor participant? No. That makes him a major participant," said Reisenauer, adding that at least a dozen other people were involved in the ring.
"Even if he (Soldier) was the No. 2 dude, that doesn't mean he was minor to anybody," Reisenauer said.
Soldier pleaded guilty in June to charges of conspiracy and possession of stolen goods. The government dropped three money laundering charges against him.
Soldier told U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson on Friday that his benefit from the ring was less than $11,000.
"For a majority of it, I wasn't there," Soldier said.
"This exploded into something greater, as if I should have known more," he said.
Lancaster complained that Soldier was never given the chance to cooperate with authorities until he was brought in to discuss the value of stolen goods.
"When my client had the chance to work in earnest on this case, he did that in good faith," Lancaster said.
Erickson said it was a professional fencing operation.
"This is serious criminal conduct," he said.
A man who admitted helping his former girlfriend run an Internet shoplifting ring says he did not deserve a sentence that was six months longer than hers. Prosecutors and a federal judge disagreed.
David Soldier, of Moorhead, Minn., was sentenced Friday to 2 1/2 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to sell stolen goods from three states on the online auction site eBay.
Michelle Kartes, also of Moorhead, was sentenced earlier to two years in prison. Prosecutors said her sentence was appropriate because she cooperated with authorities and promised to testify against Soldier.
"That's the only difference between the two of them," Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Reisenauer said during Friday's sentencing hearing.
Authorities said Soldier and Kartes sold between $200,000 and $400,000 worth of stolen goods on eBay, targeting stores in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
Defense attorney Christopher Lancaster argued that Kartes was the leader of the operation and Soldier did not deserve more time based on federal sentencing guidelines for people who supervise or manage a conspiracy.
"David is less culpable than Miss Kartes in this conspiracy," said Lancaster, who offered a chart showing Soldier was responsible for handling about 30 percent of the stolen merchandise.
"Does that make him a minor participant? No. That makes him a major participant," said Reisenauer, adding that at least a dozen other people were involved in the ring.
"Even if he (Soldier) was the No. 2 dude, that doesn't mean he was minor to anybody," Reisenauer said.
Soldier pleaded guilty in June to charges of conspiracy and possession of stolen goods. The government dropped three money laundering charges against him.
Soldier told U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson on Friday that his benefit from the ring was less than $11,000.
"For a majority of it, I wasn't there," Soldier said.
"This exploded into something greater, as if I should have known more," he said.
Lancaster complained that Soldier was never given the chance to cooperate with authorities until he was brought in to discuss the value of stolen goods.
"When my client had the chance to work in earnest on this case, he did that in good faith," Lancaster said.
Erickson said it was a professional fencing operation.
"This is serious criminal conduct," he said.
COME SEE OUR NEW WEBSITE! www.privateofficer.com
VISIT US AT MYSPACE.COM/privateofficernews
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