A Long Smoke Break Prevents Felony Thefts From Fleeing With Goods

Location: TJ Maxx, 1313 Churchmans Road, Newark, Delaware, New Castle County

Date and Time: Thursday, December 3rd, 2009, at 4:00 p.m.

Suspect(s):
Yolanda Jeter, 24, of Hedge Street in Salem, New Jersey
Keneesha Cunningham, 26, of East 24th Street in Wilmington, Delaware
Clarence Jeter, 23, of Jefferson Street in Wilmington, Delaware
Javon Roberts, 19, of East 24th Street in Wilmington, Delaware

Resume: Yesterday afternoon, Troop 6 patrol units were called to the TJ Maxx store in the Center Point Plaza Shopping Center, in Newark, for a theft in progress.

This investigation revealed the above listed suspects were observed by loss prevention in the TJ Maxx store, working together, to steal merchandise. Allegedly, Yolanda Jeter and Keneesha Cunningham concealed merchandise in bags while Clarence Jeter and Javon Roberts acted as lookouts.

The bandits were readying themselves to flee the store with the merchandise; however, a couple of TJ Maxx employees were standing out front, smoking at the exit and taking their time.

Before the suspects could leave, Troopers arrived on the scene and took them all into custody. The property concealed, which consisted of designer purses and boots, was recovered and itemized. In all, it was valued at $1,619.86.

The four suspects were all charged with Shoplifting (felony) and Conspiracy (felony).