Newark – Officers from the New Castle County Police have been investigating a series of package thefts that occurred on Harmony Road and the community of Rutherford. Through video surveillance and other investigative means, Officers were able to link 35-year-old Vernell Foster and 27-year-old Angelique Martinez to the thefts, according to police.
Officials said the pair would walk up to different homes, remove the packages from the front porch of residences, place it in their white vehicle and flee the area. Multiple Christmas gifts and other items were taken from the victims. However, after various search warrants were executed, officers were able to recover several items that were taken in connection to the thefts, officials said.
On December 25th, Vernell Foster was apprehended and charged with four counts of Misdemeanor Theft under $1,500, three counts of misdemeanor Criminal Trespass 2nd, one count of misdemeanor Criminal Trespass 3rd and one count of misdemeanor Conspiracy 3rd. He was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and held in lieu of $3,201 cash bail.
On December 25th, Angelique Martinez was also apprehended and charged with one count of Misdemeanor Theft under $1,500, one count of misdemeanor Criminal Trespass 3rd, and one count of misdemeanor Conspiracy 3rd. She was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on her own recognizance.
Based on this investigation, officers are concerned that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Officers are asking anyone with information pertaining to this investigation to contact the non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.