Police Arrest Woman Suspected of Shoplifting Over $100K From Malls

Peabody police say a Lawrence woman was arrested Friday and charged in connection with a series of shoplifting incidents at the Northshore Mall.

The woman is also a suspect in thefts at other malls in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. All told, she allegedly stole more than $100,000 in merchandise.

The multi-jurisdictional investigation lasted about four months, according to police, and through the collaboration of several agencies, the suspect -- 27-year-old Jennifer Santos of 57 Cedar St. in Lawrence -- was taken into custody without incident at her residence on Friday at approximately 2 p.m.

A press release from Police Capt. Dennis Bonaiuto said the department initiated its investigation in May, following repeated thefts from two stores at the Northshore Mall. The statement indicated those stores were Sephora and Victoria's Secret.

Police obtained a surveillance photo of the suspect which they provided to local news outlets in late August, asking the public for help in identifying the woman. Bonaiuto said investigators subsequently learned the suspect's identity, but could not locate her at first.

Peabody police did obtain an arrest warrant on multiple counts of larceny over $250, said Bonaiuto. Those were just for the thefts in Peabody.

Peabody police officers, Lawrence police officers, the U.S. Marshall’s Office, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Northshore Mall security and loss prevention for Sephora and Victoria's Secret all worked together on the investigation.

Officer John Nelson and Detective Ralph Scopa led Peabody's efforts.

Bonaiuto said the investigation is still ongoing and includes other shopping malls in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Further charges may be forthcoming.

Santos will be arraigned in Peabody District Court on Sept. 16 on six counts of larceny over $250 and three counts of trespassing.