July 27, 2018 - The Newark Police have arrested three subjects in a rash of package thefts that occurred over the past week on the west side of the city.
On Thursday July 19, 2018 at approximately 4:40 p.m. the Newark Police responded to Munro Road for a report that multiple suspects stole packages from the front porches of two residences. The property stolen was valued at approximately $600.
On Tuesday July 24, 2018 the Newark Police responded to Munro Road for a report of a package theft from a front porch which occurred the day prior on Monday July 23, 2018 at approximately 7:30 p.m. The property stolen was valued at approximately $200.
On Wednesday July 25, 2018 at approximately 2:50 p.m. the Newark Police responded to the Christina Mill Apartment complex for a report that multiple packages were stolen from five separate apartments at that location. The property stolen was valued at approximately $2,600.
Video and photo surveillance images were obtained from all of the incidents, which showed four different suspects and their vehicles. Officers were able to immediately identify 26-year-old Edward Adkins of Newark in one of the videos from prior police contact. As the investigation continued, officers were also able to identify 25-year-old Adrian Jefferson of Wilmington and 27-year-old Carianne Weikel of Newark. The fourth suspect, who has been identified, is still being sought.
On Thursday July 26, 2018 at approximately 4:45 p.m. the Newark Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, which contained the three defendants, as it was traveling on Westfield Drive. All three were taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle and additional evidence was located.
Defendants/Charges:
Edward Adkins:
Theft Under $1500 (8 Counts)
Conspiracy 3rd Degree (3 Counts)
Driving While Suspended or Revoked (2 Counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Failure to Have Insurance in Possession
Edward Adkins was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #11 and issued $5,600 secured bond. Adkins was transported to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of bail.
Adrian Jefferson:
Theft Under $1500 (7 Counts)
Conspiracy 3rd Degree (2 Counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Adrian Jefferson was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #11 and issued $1,800 secured bond. Jefferson was transported to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institute in lieu of bail.
Carianne Weikel:
Theft Under $1500 (5 Counts)
Conspiracy 3rd Degree
Weikel was arraigned through Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released after being issued $3,500 unsecured bond.
The Newark Police are seeking additional victims of any recent unreported package thefts, as property has been located during the investigation that has not yet been linked to a possible victim.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer McKennon at 302-366-7100 ext. 3491 or CMcKennon@newark.de.us.
You can send an anonymous text message tip by texting 302NPD and your message to TIP411.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com where a reward may be available.
The Newark Police Department affirms that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.