Delaware State Police have arrested 46-year-old Spenson Sanchez of Wilmington in connection with a series of retail thefts that occurred over several months at multiple businesses throughout New Castle County.
Between May 15, 2024, and August 5, 2024, troopers investigated several reports of shoplifting with a similar pattern at various businesses throughout New Castle County. In each instance, a black male suspect was reported to have shoplifted merchandise before fleeing in an unknown direction. Through investigative efforts, troopers identified Spenson Sanchez as the individual responsible for 24 shoplifting incidents, resulting in over $36,000 worth of stolen goods police said Friday.
The businesses targeted by Sanchez included ACME, Best Buy, Burlington, Buy Buy Baby, Cabela’s, Carter’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, multiple Marshalls stores, New Balance, Nordstrom Rack, multiple Old Navy stores, Staples, and T.J. Maxx. Sanchez was occasionally accompanied by different accomplices in several of these incidents, though the identities of all accomplices remain unknown at this time. After each incident, troopers obtained warrants for Sanchez’s arrest and attempted to locate him.
Officials said on August 8, 2024, a trooper responded to Ross Dress for Less at 1317 Churchmans Road, Newark, regarding a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival, the trooper learned that a black male suspect had stolen multiple pairs of shoes and fled the store. After reviewing a photograph of the suspect provided by a Ross employee, the trooper identified the individual as Sanchez, whom he recognized from previous investigations police said. The trooper was aware that Sanchez was wanted on several theft-related warrants. Shortly thereafter, troopers responded to Marshalls at 3000 Fashion Center Boulevard, Newark, for a report of a habitual shoplifter seen in the area after stealing from the store. Sanchez, along with an unknown black female accomplice, was reported to be in a red Nissan Altima with Delaware registration officials said.
Troopers located the Altima in the shopping center and made contact with the 36-year-old female driver and a 37-year-old male passenger, both of whom were uncooperative. The female driver was identified as the accomplice seen with Sanchez. It was later discovered that Sanchez had fled from the Altima shortly before the troopers’ arrival. He was found a short time later near A Road and the Emblem Apartments and was taken into custody without incident.
The 36-year-old female and 37-year-old male, both from Wilmington, Delaware, were also taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the Altima revealed some of the stolen merchandise from Marshalls according to police. All three suspects were taken to Troop 2, where they were charged with multiple crimes.
Sanchez was charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of Organized Retail Theft Over $1,500, two counts of Organized Retail Theft, four counts of Shoplifting Over $1,500, two counts of Conspiracy 2nd Degree, one count of Possession of Shoplifter Tools, five counts of Organized Retail Theft, 13 counts of Shoplifting Under $1,500, five counts of Conspiracy 3rd Degree, and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $17,211.76 secured bond.
The 36-year-old female was charged with Conspiracy 3rd Degree and Receiving Stolen Property Under $1,500. She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.
The 37-year-old male was charged with Conspiracy 3rd Degree and Receiving Stolen Property Under $1,500. He was also arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.
