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Georgetown – Delaware State Police have arrested a Wilmington couple on felony charges after they were found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen merchandise, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 1:55 a.m., Wednesday, March 28, 2018, when a Trooper stopped a silver Mercury Sable for speeding on U.S 113 northbound, in the area of Arrow Safety Road, Georgetown. Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle the Trooper observed a large quantity of assorted merchandise in the back seat of the vehicle, which had anti-theft devices still attached, according to Austin.
The driver of the vehicle Detwon Banner, 23, of Wilmington advised that he didn’t know where the merchandise came from. The passenger in the vehicle, who initially gave a wrong name, and was eventually identified as Jaleesa Banner, 29, also of Wilmington, stated that she also didn’t know anything about the merchandise, according to Austin.
Austin said a subsequent search of the vehicle produced an assortment of electronic devices and miscellaneous merchandise which had anti-theft devices still intact, that had a total value of $5,537.47.
Through further investigation Troopers were able to determine that the merchandise had been stolen from a Wal-Mart, located in Berlin, Maryland, Austin said. The incident was currently being investigated by the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office. As a result of this incident and the positive identification of the Banner’s, Maryland authorities were able to link them to two prior shoplifting incidents at the same Wal-Mart, in which merchandise in excess of $12,000.00 was stolen, according to Austin.
Both subjects were transported to Delaware State Police Troop 4 where they were arrested and each charged with one count each of Receiving Stolen Property and Conspiracy 2nd Degree, both felonies.
Detwon Banner, who was additionally charged with Speeding, No Valid License, No Proof of Insurance and No Proof of Registration, was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 before being committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $4,202.00 cash bail.
Jaleesa Banner, who was additionally charged with Criminal Impersonation, was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #3 before being committed to the Dolores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, in lieu of $5,000.00 cash bail.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact TFC M. Gambale at Troop 4 by calling 302-856-5850.