Farmington Cops Break Up Shoplifting Team, 2 Charged: Report

FARMINGTON/WEST HARTFORD, CT — Two people are facing criminal charges related to an "organized" shoplifting incident, Farmington police said.

Sancha Richards, 30, of Hartford, and Cardia Powell, 29, of Bristol, were arrested in the case Friday, according to a report.

They were charged with:

• Organized retail theft
• Third-degree larceny
• Conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny
• Illegal possession of a shoplifting device
• Interfering

Richards and Powell posted respective bonds of $20,000 and $10,000 and are due in court on Oct. 27, according to a report.

The two were caught Friday exiting the Westfarms Mall just before 2:30 p.m., police said. They refused to comply with orders to stop from a Farmington officer and continued walking to their vehicle, according to a report.

The officer was able to detain one but the other started her car and was attempting to hide "stolen merchandise" under the passenger seat.

Security officers and other responding Farmington officers were able to assist in blocking the vehicle in, according to a report.

While searching the vehicle, approximately $4,800 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered from various stores, according to a report.

Two shopping bags lined with aluminum foil police believe was designed to defeat store security sensors in the stores was discovered inside the vehicle as well, a report indicates.