NEWARK, DE — A 40-year-old Wilmington woman has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses following a long-running shoplifting investigation, according to the Newark Police Department.
Police said the investigation began in 2024 after officers identified a pattern of alleged shoplifting incidents involving the same suspect at retail stores. Authorities allege the incidents resulted in thousands of dollars in merchandise losses and were part of ongoing organized retail theft activity.
Through coordinated efforts with partnering jurisdictions, investigators identified the suspect and obtained arrest warrants, police said.
On February 11, 2026, members of the Newark Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit located and arrested Markesha Dollard without incident, according to police.
Authorities said the warrants included felony charges of noncompliance with conditions of bond and 23 counts of breach of release tied to prior shoplifting-related arrests. Police also stated Dollard was wanted on eight capiases for failure to appear in court related to previous shoplifting cases dating back to 2024.
According to police, Newark Police Department charges include five counts of shoplifting under $1,500; five counts of possession of shoplifter’s tools; two felony counts of noncompliance with conditions of bond; 23 counts of breach of release; two counts of third-degree criminal trespass; and one count of theft — organized retail crime.
Police said Dollard also faces additional charges from another agency, including one count of shoplifting under $1,500 and one count of third-degree conspiracy.
Dollard was arraigned before a Justice of the Peace Court No. 2 judge and was ordered held on $39,600 secured bail and an additional $10,000 cash bail. She was transported to Baylor Women’s Correctional Facility, police said.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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