LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – A couple was arrested and charged after police responded to a shoplifting call at the Stafford Township Walmart Friday evening. Police said Brittany Koppenjan, 30 years old from Lacey Township, and Ryan Powell, 36 years old from Seaside Heights were charged for shoplifting from Walmart, but ended in jail after police found open warrants and drugs during their investigation.
“The subjects were observed shoplifting numerous electronic items by concealing them in bags. After a short period of time, both subjects were observed walking past the check out counter, and exiting Walmart into the parking lot. The DEU encountered the subjects in the parking lot and placed them under arrest,” police said. “While searching the subjects, they were found to be in possession of the stolen items, and in possession of CDS – Heroin.”
Police said while the two were being processed, it was learned they both had multiple arrest warrants from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and the Berkeley Township & Seaside Heights Municipal Courts. They were charged with shoplifting and possession of CDS, and transported to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of their outstanding warrants pending future appearances in multiple jurisdictions.
“Shoplifting and drug related offenses are related due to the fact that shoplifting leads to the black-market sales of stolen items, and in turn is used to buy, possess, and sell narcotics,” the department said.
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