Two arrested in business break-in
Published 6:05 pm Wednesday, July 5, 2017
A husband and wife in Farmville were arrested June 27 on multiple burglary and larceny charges in connection to an investigation related to items taken from the wife’s former employer.
According to Town of Farmville spokeswoman Kate Pickett Eggleston, Collette Monique Dowd, 39, and James E. Dowd, 37, allegedly stole more than $1,000 worth of money and merchandise from Farmville Mart, located at 205 S. Main St.
The Farmville Police Department investigated the incident.
Collette’s employment ended at the store June 14.
“After Mrs. Dowd’s employment ended, both she and her husband entered the business after it closed and took merchandise to include beer, sodas and grocery items,” Eggleston said. “The following morning, on June 15, before the store opened, both individuals re-entered the business again, taking money and more merchandise.”
Eggleston said management reported that between February and June there were multiple instances where Collette took money or merchandise.
“(Collette) was charged with embezzlement for the items she took during the course of her employment,” Eggleston said.
According to police, Collette was arrested on two breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony charges, two possession of burglary tools charges, two embezzlement charges involving $200 or less, one conspiracy to commit a felony charge, one grand larceny charge and one concealment of price after merchandise charge.
James was arrested on several charges, including breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, grand larceny, possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit a felony.
James and Collette have a hearing set in Prince Edward General District Court on July 24.