Shoplifting Operation at Tanger Outlets Leads to Arrest of Four Suspects
Date Posted: Saturday, October 7th, 2023
Delaware State Police apprehended four individuals involved in a shoplifting operation at Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. The suspects, identified as Monica Parks, Samuel Jones, Ja’ni Lewis, and Calvin Schoolfield, were all residents of Salisbury, Maryland. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, and the arrests were made shortly after.
According to the information provided, the authorities were alerted to the shoplifting incident at around 5:17 p.m. on October 5th. The caller reported that four individuals, three black males, and one black female, had stolen items from the Coach Outlet store and fled in a white Ford Expedition with a Vermont registration. The caller also provided descriptions of their clothing.
Troopers promptly responded to the call and located the white Ford Expedition parked in front of the Nike Factory Store at 36698 Bayside Outlet Drive. The occupants of the vehicle, Jones, Lewis, and Schoolfield, were identified through their Maryland driver’s licenses. Parks was also located nearby and identified as one of the suspects.
After reviewing video surveillance footage, troopers confirmed that all four individuals were involved in the shoplifting incident at Coach. Upon conducting a consent search of the vehicle, troopers discovered shoplifting tools and over $1500 worth of stolen merchandise from various stores, including Coach, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, and Bath & Body Works. The suspects were unable to provide any receipts for the merchandise.
Further investigation revealed that Lewis had an outstanding warrant in Maryland for traffic offenses. Consequently, she was also charged with being a fugitive from another state.
Parks, Jones, Lewis, and Schoolfield were taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 7, where they were charged with several crimes related to the shoplifting operation. The charges include possession of shoplifters’ tools, shoplifting over $1500 from three or more separate mercantile establishments, conspiracy 2nd degree, and multiple counts of shoplifting under $1500.
The suspects were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 3, and the outcomes of their arraignments varied. Parks was released on her own recognizance, Jones was released on a $2300 unsecured bond, Lewis was released on a $6,500 unsecured bond, and Schoolfield was released on his own recognizance.
The Delaware State Police provided mugshot photos of the suspects along with their charges.
This incident serves as a reminder to both retailers and shoppers to remain vigilant against shoplifting activities. Retailers should take necessary precautions to prevent shoplifting and work closely with law enforcement to identify and apprehend offenders. Shoppers, on the other hand, should report any suspicious activities they observe and avoid participating in any form of theft.
The Delaware State Police encourages the public to visit their website for more information on this case and other news posts related to law enforcement activities.