Five charged with stealing over $92,000 worth of items from Rehoboth stores

Five Maryland residents face charges after police say they stole over $92,000 worth of merchandise from Rehoboth-area stores.

Police were called at 3:31 p.m., Feb. 27, to the Cosmetic Company outlet store in the Midway Outlets near Rehoboth Beach. They learned four women and one man had fled from the store with stolen merchandise, driving off in a light-blue minivan with California registration, said Sr. Cpl. Jason Hatchell of the Delaware State Police. Troopers located a vehicle matching the description traveling northbound on Route 1 near the Broadkill Bridge, and stopped the minivan, Hatchell said. Inside the vehicle were the driver, Vidu Miclescu, 20, and four passengers – Mirela Velcu, 41; Madalina Pirvu, 29; Speranta Dumitru, 34; and Ancuta Ignat, 37, all of Middle River, Md.

During the stop, police say they saw stolen merchandise in plain view inside the vehicle. All subjects were taken into custody without incident, and a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of approximately $92,322 worth of stolen merchandise, which included fragrances, clothing, purses and blankets. Police also found $9,866 in cash, two large fixed-blade knives and brass knuckles. At this time, police said stolen merchandise came from the Cosmetic Company Outlet, Cracker Barrel and the Coach Outlet.

The suspects were transported to Troop 7 and charged with felony organized retail theft, felony theft of property valued over $50,000, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and second-degree conspiracy. Vidu was also charged with traffic violations. All were arraigned at Justice of the Peace 3. Vidu was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution in default of $16,150 secured bond. The women were committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in default of $16,000 secured bond each.