NEW HARTFORD, NY — A coordinated retail theft crackdown led to nine arrests on Thursday, July 10, as New Hartford Police and New York State Troopers targeted shoplifting across several local businesses, including major retailers.
The joint undercover operation was supported by the Loss Prevention Coalition, which includes stores like Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Hannaford, and all retailers within Sangertown Square Mall. The crackdown was carried out by members of the New Hartford Police Patrol and Investigative Divisions, alongside state troopers and private store security teams.
Authorities arrested seven individuals during the initial phase of the operation, including three juveniles. Among the adults arrested were:
Kierstan Horender, 19
Steven Allen, 49
Denzel Bun, 29
Jacqueline Thomas, 49
Horender, Bun, and the three juveniles were each charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fifth degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Horender also faces a charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Allen and Thomas were charged with Petit Larceny, also a Class A misdemeanor.
Later in the day, a separate incident occurred at Target in Sangertown Square Mall, where a previously trespassed 16-year-old juvenile returned, resisted arrest, and allegedly damaged a police vehicle. That juvenile was charged with:
Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree
Obstructing Governmental Administration
Both are Class A misdemeanors.
After the operation concluded, officers arrested Melissa Fernandez, 21, of Rome, for Petit Larceny after she was reportedly caught concealing unpaid merchandise.
All adults were released on appearance tickets for New Hartford Town Court, and juveniles were released to their parents with scheduled appearances at the Oneida County Probation Department.
Police say the coalition remains committed to future retail theft operations.
