Thieves Swiped More Than $2,000 Of Booze At A Local Grocery Store Last Month

CAMDENTON, Mo. — Gerbes Shopping Center was hit with multiple large thefts of alcohol in March.

The grocery store reported $1,492 worth of alcohol was stolen on March 10, 2018. The Camdenton Police Department says they recovered the stolen alcohol, and arrested the following, in the days following that theft:

-Brandon Gates, 20, of East St. Louis

-Charnee Thomas, 20, of Belleville, Ill.

-Christina Hams, 25, of Baltimore, Md.

-Twanna Trotter, 19, of Belleville, Ill.

All four were charged with Class D Felony Stealing.

Gates bonded out for $20,000, but initially failed to adhere to his bond terms and was arrested again. Then he was released on bond on March 27. Thomas is a fugitive from out-of-state and is being held without bond. Hams posted $20,000 bond and was released. Trotter pleaded guilty on April 4 and was sentenced to 5 years of probation and repayment of court costs.

Then, on March 30, Gerbes reported $907 worth of alcohol was stolen, with video showing four people leaving the store in a dark-colored, four-door sedan. The investigation of that theft is ongoing.

The Camdenton Police Department says it’s been discussing with Gerbes management how to improve security and surveillance, in an attempt to curb theft.