NEW CASTLE, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested three individuals, Robert Wheeler, 47, of Wilmington, Delaware, Kristina Dorsey, 37, of Elkton, Maryland, and Amanda Ensor, 39, of New Castle, Delaware, in connection with a series of alleged cigarette shopliftings from multiple Wawa locations in New Castle County.
The events unfolded on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, when troopers responded to a report of shoplifting at 1:53 p.m. at the Wawa located at 1515 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle. A similar incident was reported at approximately 2:10 p.m. at another Wawa location, 183 Airport Road, New Castle. In both instances, an unknown masked black male reportedly jumped behind the sales counter, grabbed cigarettes from the display, and fled without rendering payment. The suspect was seen fleeing in a gray Chrysler 200 with Delaware registration, occupied by two unknown white females.
At approximately 2:17 p.m., a trooper on patrol spotted the Chrysler traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway before it parked at the Wawa located at 1605 Pulaski Highway in Bear. The trooper conducted a traffic stop on the Chrysler and made contact with the driver, identified as Amanda Ensor, the front passenger, identified as Kristina Dorsey, and the rear passenger, later identified as Robert Wheeler. All three were taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered that Wheeler had allegedly impersonated a family member by providing their name and date of birth after his arrest. Detectives positively identified the rear passenger as Robert Wheeler, who was found to be on probation and had an active warrant for his arrest. Further investigation linked Wheeler to two additional alleged cigarette shopliftings at New Castle County area Wawa locations that occurred on February 6, 2024, and February 12, 2024.
The Delaware State Police have noted an increase in thefts of cigarettes from New Castle County area Wawa locations since late December 2023. Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Detectives are urging anyone with information about this case to contact Detective J. Dempsey by calling (302) 365-8472. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
At Troop 2, Wheeler, Dorsey, and Ensor were charged with multiple crimes. Wheeler was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $29,000 secured bond. His charges include two counts each of Theft – Organized Retail Crime, Conspiracy Second Degree, Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony, and Shoplifting Under $1,500, as well as one count of Forgery Second Degree, and Criminal Impersonation.
Dorsey was charged with two counts each of Theft – Organized Retail Crime and Conspiracy Second Degree. She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on a $3,000 unsecured bond.
Ensor was charged with two counts each of Theft – Organized Retail Crime and Conspiracy Second Degree. She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on a $3,000 secured bond.
As the case continues to unfold, it’s important to remember that the release of information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest does not constitute a declaration of guilt. All suspects, arrestees, or defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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