Traffic Stop Yields Arrest of Two on Shoplifting Charges
A couple from New York City are under arrest after they were discovered to be in possession of more than $4,000 of items stolen from stores at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets.
According to a press release from the Clinton Police Department, Officer Brian Corbin initiated a motor vehicle stop on Sunday, Aug. 19 after observing a driver make an unsafe left hand turn, cutting off oncoming traffic. Upon pulling over the vehicle, it was discovered that the North Carolina registration on the vehicle was expired and did not belong to the vehicle. Officers also detected the smell of marijuana and upon searching, found marijuana on the passenger, identified at Katrina Dise, 27, of New York City. Officer Corbin also discovered a commonly used shoplifting device in Dise's purse. The operator of the vehicle was identified at Michael Alston, 36, of New York City.
Upon a search of the vehicle, police also discovered a beater bag, a bag with a foil lining used to defeat anti-theft tags on merchandise, and over $4,000 in stolen merchandise from Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets and the Trumbull mall. Police also located more than $600 in counterfeit bills.
Dise and Alston were both charged with larceny in the third degree, forgery in the first degreee, organized retail theft, possession of a shoplifting device, and conspiracy for organized retail theft.
Alson was additionally charged with making an illegal turn, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and misuse of registration plates.
Dise was additionally charged with possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana.
Dise and Alston were each held on a $25,000 bond and will appear in Middletown Superior Court on Aug. 20.