WILMINGTON, DE — A 40-year-old Smyrna man faces dozens of charges after Delaware State Police accused him of carrying out more than 25 retail thefts across New Castle County while absent from Department of Correction supervision.
Police identified the defendant as Steven Pozzie, 40, and said the investigation began in late August after Home Depot employees reported multiple shoplifting incidents involving the same person.
The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit took over the case and subsequently received reports from Walmart, Lowe’s, Target, Kohl’s, Acme and Harbor Freight involving the same suspect, according to investigators.
Detectives identified Pozzie as the suspect and determined he had failed to return to the Community Corrections Treatment Center after receiving an employment pass to leave the facility, police said.
Between late August and late September, investigators allege Pozzie targeted retailers more than 25 times, sometimes working with accomplices and using multiple vehicles. Police said he frequently used tools to damage product security devices before merchandise was taken.
Investigators estimated that more than $48,000 in merchandise was stolen and more than $4,000 in damage was caused to the businesses.
On Sept. 23, detectives learned of another alleged shoplifting at a Lowe’s in Newark and were told the suspect fled in a Lexus SUV. Police later located the unoccupied vehicle near Vandever Avenue and Northeast Boulevard in Wilmington.
Detectives searched the surrounding area and found Pozzie in a nearby alley, where he was taken into custody, according to police. Investigators said Pozzie gave them a false identity multiple times.
Police reported finding drug paraphernalia and approximately 0.01 grams of suspected crack cocaine during a search of Pozzie. A search of the Lexus also recovered tools investigators believe were used in previous shoplifting incidents.
Pozzie was taken to a hospital after requesting treatment for an unrelated, non-life-threatening injury and was returned to Department of Correction custody, police said.
Following his discharge from the hospital Sept. 28, Pozzie was charged with 17 felony counts of possession of shoplifters tools, 13 felony counts of organized retail theft over $1,500, one felony count of shoplifting over $1,500, five felony counts of second-degree conspiracy, six counts of organized retail theft, third-degree conspiracy, three counts of shoplifting under $1,500 and 15 counts of criminal mischief under $1,000.
He also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal impersonation.
Pozzie was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace Court and remained in Department of Correction custody on $44,200 cash bail, according to police.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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