Two Women Arraigned in Alleged Shoplifting Incident at T.J. Maxx

BEDFORD, MA - Two Boston women were arraigned Wednesday in Concord District Court in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident at T.J. Maxx on Great Road in Bedford Tuesday.

Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan issued a joint statement about the arrests Wednesday night.

Stacy Monteiro, 31, of Boston was charged with shoplifting by asportation.

Eboney McClain, 30, of Bostonwas charged with shoplifting by asportation, unlawful possession of a theft detection device deactivator or remover and unlawful deactivation or removal of a theft detection device.

Judge Sabita Singh set bail for Monteiro at $1,000 cash and ordered the defendant to stay away from all T.J. Maxx stores. Judge Sabita Singh set bail for McClain at $300 cash and ordered the defendant to stay away from all T.J. Maxx stores.

The next scheduled hearing in this case for both defendants is Wednesday, July 6.

On Tuesday, May 10, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Bedford Police responded to T.J. Maxx, on The Great Road in Bedford in response to a report of shoplifting in progress. Police were notified by Bedford dispatch that the suspects were allegedly seen leaving the parking lot in a silver vehicle. Responding officers observed a vehicle matching that description, exiting the parking lot and conducted a motor vehicle stop.

According to officials, T.J. Maxx loss prevention observed the women allegedly removing a security device from a Fendi purse, valued at $2,000 and exiting the store with the bag.

“We take shoplifting very seriously in our community and have absolutely no tolerance for this type of crime,” Chief Bongiorno said in the statement. “Thankfully, police were able to apprehend these suspects without incident and the merchandise was returned to the store.”

“In this case the defendants allegedly attempted to take $2,000 in merchandise without regard for the consequences,” stated District Attorney Ryan. “This type of behavior hurts retailers financially and demeans consumers who honestly pay for goods and services.”