COORDINATED RETAIL THEFT CRACKDOWN IN NEW HARTFORD NY LEADS TO NINE ARRESTS

CNY Online News
Jul 17, 2025
2 min read

On July 10, 2025, The Town of New Hartford Police Department and The New York State Police conducted a coordinated undercover retail theft enforcement operation that resulted in nine arrests, including multiple juveniles, at several commercial retail centers across town.

The operation was carried out by the New Hartford Police Department’s Criminal Investigative Division, New Hartford Police Patrol Division, and The New York State Police. Support was also provided by store asset protection teams, all working in collaboration through the Loss Prevention Coalition, a partnership between law enforcement and major retailers including Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Hannaford, Lowe’s, and the businesses within Sangertown Square Mall.

The coalition promotes real time communication and a coordinated response to reduce both organized and opportunistic theft throughout New Hartford’s commercial corridors.

Initial Arrests Made on July 10, 2025:

• Kierstan M. Horender, 19

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree

Endangering the Welfare of a Child

• Steven J. Allen, 49

Petit Larceny

• Jacqueline D. Thomas, 49

Petit Larceny

• Denzel A. Bun, 29

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree

• Juvenile, 15

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree

• Juvenile, 16

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree

• Juvenile, 17

Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree

Additional Arrests at Target Following the Operation.

Later that day, officers responded to a separate incident at Target, where a previously trespassed 16-year-old juvenile returned to the premises. Law enforcement was called after the juvenile refused to leave. During the arrest, officers were surrounded by a crowd of unruly juveniles. The juvenile actively resisted, thrashing and kicking the exterior of the patrol car door, causing significant damage to the vehicle.

The juvenile responsible for this was charged with:

• Criminal Trespass

• Criminal Mischief

• Obstructing Governmental Administration

Additionally, Melissa Fernandez, 21, of Rome NY, was arrested for Petit Larceny after the detail had concluded. Officers were called back to Target when store security observed her concealing unpaid merchandise.

All adult offenders were arrested and released on appearance tickets, returnable to New Hartford Town Court at a later date. Juvenile offenders were released to the custody of their parents and are scheduled to appear at the Oneida County Probation Department at a later date.

The New Hartford Police Department extends its appreciation to the New York State Police and our Retail Theft Coalition partners, including Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Hannaford, Lowe’s, and the Sangertown Square Mall, for their continued efforts in combating retail crime in the community.

All partners involved in this operation remain committed to future undercover operations which will continue to combat retail theft issues.