ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A routine shoplifting arrest took a more serious turn when the suspect, Niels Faaborg, allegedly lied to police and was later found with hidden contraband during jail intake.
Faaborg was spotted on Tuesday stealing a perfume tester and facial cream from the Dillard’s department store on 22nd Avenue North. Loss prevention staff observed him exit the store without attempting to pay, then intercepted him as he tried to flee on a bicycle.
St. Petersburg Police Officers William Stone and J. Martinez responded and took Faaborg into custody. During a standard pat-down, officers asked if he had any additional items on him. According to the arrest report, Faaborg answered “No.”
However, upon arrival at the Pinellas County Jail, deputies used a full-body x-ray scanner, which revealed a concealed object inside Faaborg’s rectum. Officer Martinez retrieved the item, and Faaborg was subsequently charged with introducing contraband into a detention facility, in addition to the original petit theft charge.
Faaborg appeared before a judge in Pinellas County Court on Wednesday. His bond was set at $500 for the theft charge and $5,000 for the contraband offense. As of now, he remains in custody.
