New Hartford Police Arrest Suspect Linked to Multiple Walmart Theft Cases

Suspect arrested after multiple retail thefts.

The New Hartford Police Department has arrested a suspect following an investigation into multiple reports of retail theft occurring at Walmart on Commercial Dr.

On July 23, 2026, New Hartford Police officers responded to Walmart on Commercial Dr., for a reported larceny in progress. Upon arrival, police officers located a suspect as she exited the store with merchandise that had not been paid for, according to Walmart Staff. When police officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest, the suspect actively resisted arrest. Officers took the suspect into custody after a brief struggle, and the stolen merchandise was recovered.

During the investigation, New Hartford Police Officers worked closely with Walmart Loss Prevention staff and reviewed surveillance footage related to other reported larcenies. Officers also coordinated with the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the Rome Police Department, and the New York State Police, Lee Center, whose assistance helped identify the suspect in regard to previously committed thefts.

As a result of the investigation the suspect, identified as Katie Fonda, 46 who provided a Rome, NY address, was not only charged with Petit Larceny in violation of NYS PL 155.25, and NYS PL 205.30, Resisting Arrest for the July 23rd incident, but she also charged with Misdemeanor Petit Larceny in regards to a Larceny that occurred at Walmart on Commercial Dr. on July 17th 2026.

Following processing, Fonda was issued appearance tickets related to the above charges and then subsequently transferred to the custody of the New York State Police who had open Arrest Warrants for her on other active Larceny Cases being investigated by SP Lee Center.