Delaware State Police have arrested Spenson Sanchez, 46, of Wilmington in connection with a series of shoplifting incidents that occurred over several months at multiple stores throughout New Castle County.
Between May 15, 2024, and August 5, 2024, officers investigated several reports of shoplifting incidents with a similar pattern at various stores throughout New Castle County. In each case, a black male suspect was reported stealing merchandise before fleeing in an unknown direction. Through investigative efforts, officers identified Spenson Sanchez as the person responsible for 24 shoplifting incidents in which more than $36,000 worth of merchandise was stolen, police said Friday.
The businesses targeted by Sanchez included ACME, Best Buy, Burlington, Buy Buy Baby, Cabela’s, Carter’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement, several Marshalls stores, New Balance, Nordstrom Rack, several Old Navy stores, Staples, and TJ Maxx. During several of these incidents, Sanchez was occasionally accompanied by various accomplices, although the identities of all of the accomplices are currently unknown. After each incident, police obtained arrest warrants for Sanchez and attempted to locate him.
Officials said on August 8, 2024, an officer responded to a report of a shoplifting incident at Ross Dress for Less at 1317 Churchmans Road in Newark. Upon arrival, the officer learned that a Black male suspect had stolen several pairs of shoes and fled the store. After reviewing a photo of the suspect given to him by a Ross employee, the officer identified the individual as Sanchez, whom he recognized from a previous investigation, police said. The officer was aware that Sanchez was wanted on several warrants for theft. Shortly thereafter, officers responded to a report of a notorious shoplifter at Marshalls at 3000 Fashion Center Boulevard in Newark, who was alerted to a report of a notorious shoplifter who had been seen in the area after stealing from the store. Sanchez was believed to be in a red Nissan Altima with Delaware registration along with an unknown Black female accomplice, officials said.
Officers found the Altima at the mall 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 determined that Sanchez had fled the Altima shortly before officers arrived. He was found a short time later near A Road and the Emblem Apartments and taken into custody without incident.
The 36-year-old woman and 37-year-old man, both of Wilmington, Delaware, were also arrested without incident. A subsequent search of the Altima found some of the stolen Marshalls merchandise, according to police. All three suspects were transported to Troop 2, where they were charged with multiple felonies.
Sanchez was charged with several crimes, including two counts of organized shoplifting over $1,500, two counts of organized shoplifting, four counts of shoplifting over $1,500, two counts of second-degree conspiracy, one count of possession of shoplifting tools, five counts of organized shoplifting, 13 counts of shoplifting under $1,500, five counts of third-degree conspiracy, and malicious damage to property. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $17,211.76 bail.
The 36-year-old woman was charged with third-degree conspiracy and receiving stolen goods valued at less than $1,500. She was arraigned before a Justice of the Peace of the Second Judicial District Court and released on $2,000 unsecured bail.
The 37-year-old man was charged with third-degree conspiracy and receiving stolen goods valued under $1,500. He was also arraigned in Justice of the Peace 2 and released on $2,000 unsecured bail.
