NEWARK, DE — Delaware State Police have charged Janine McAlonan, a 39-year-old resident of Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, with multiple felonies linked to an alleged burglary at a pharmacy in Newark. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of October 26, 2024, involved the theft of a safe containing cash and controlled substances.
According to initial investigations, two unidentified individuals forced entry into the Saveway Compound Pharmacy on Albe Drive at approximately 3:00 a.m. The suspects removed a safe and transferred it to a dark-colored SUV, which was then driven away by a third unknown individual, while the original suspects fled on foot.
Through collaboration with law enforcement agencies outside of Delaware, detectives identified McAlonan and 42-year-old Christopher Welch as key suspects. Both are believed to be connected to similar offenses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While McAlonan has surrendered to authorities and been charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar tools, theft, conspiracy, and criminal mischief, Welch remains at large. A warrant for Welch’s arrest has been issued on similar charges.
On November 11, 2024, McAlonan reported to Troop 1, where she was formally arraigned and released on an $11,000 unsecured bond. The investigation is ongoing, with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit actively seeking Welch and the third, unidentified suspect. Authorities urge anyone with information about Welch’s whereabouts to contact Detective M. Kerrigan by calling (302) 365-8487 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
As with all legal proceedings, it is important to note that the charges against McAlonan and Welch are merely allegations. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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