DOJ secures significant prison time for habitual shoplifter turned robber

The Delaware Department of Justice has secured five years in prison followed by probation for a Wilmington woman who stole thousands of dollars worth of goods from Delaware retail chains between 2023 and 2024.

On July 10, Jasmine Williams, 36, was sentenced to five years of Level V prison followed by one year of high level GPS probation after pleading guilty to Robbery First Degree, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Robbery Second Degree, and two counts of Shoplifting under $1,500 in New Castle County Superior Court.

This sentence represents a global resolution to multiple cases following an investigation into a nearly one-year-long spree of retail thefts that spanned five incidents, targeted stores such as Boscov's, Kohls, Walgreens and Food Lion and culminated with two armed robberies.

"The actions of this woman caused serious damage and disruption to Delaware businesses and put innocent lives at risk- we must take that seriously," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "I am grateful to our team and the Delaware State Police for their work in holding her to account."

On January 16, Jasmine Williams robbed a Food Lion located on Philadelphia Pike in Claymont, Delaware, brandishing a pocketknife when employees confronted her as she fled with the stolen merchandise. On January 25, Williams robbed a Walgreens on the 800 Block of Philadelphia Pike at knifepoint and escaped with several hundred dollars worth of merchandise. In total, Williams stole $3,709.11 worth of merchandise across all stores.

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