REHOBOTH BEACH — The Delaware State Police have arrested five Maryland residents in connection with multiple shoplifting incidents, Senior Cpl. Jason Hatchell said.
On Monday at approximately 3:31 p.m., troopers were dispatched to The Cosmetic Company Store, 34986 Midway Outlet Drive, in reference to a shoplifting, he said.
Police received a report that four females and one male fled from the location with stolen merchandise and drove off in a light-blue minivan with California registration. Troopers located a vehicle matching the description traveling north on Coastal Highway, near Broadkill Bridge.
A traffic stop was initiated, and contact was made with the driver, Vidu Miclescu, 20, and four female passengers, identified as Mirela Velcu, 41; Madalina Pirvu, 29; Speranta Dumitru, 34; and Ancuta Ignat, 37, all of Middle River.
Cpl. Hatchell said a trooper observed stolen merchandise inside the vehicle, and all occupants were taken into custody without further incident.
A vehicle search lead to the discovery of approximately $92,322.98 worth of stolen items, including fragrances, clothing, purses and blankets; $9,866 of U.S. currency; two large fixed-blade knives; and brass knuckles.
As of Tuesday, there were three stores identified as having goods stolen by the suspects, police said, including the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the Coach Outlet and The Cosmetic Company Store.
Mr. Miclescu was charged with organized retail theft, theft of property value over $50,000, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, second-degree conspiracy and multiple traffic violations. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution, Georgetown, on a $16,150 secured bond.
Ms. Dumitru, Ms. Velcu, Ms. Pirvu and Ms. Ignat were charged with organized retail theft, theft of property value over $50,000, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and second-degree conspiracy. They were each arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, New Castle, on $16,000 secured bonds.
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