Community Corner

Crew That Allegedly Stole $300,000 Worth Of Cell Phones In Custody

In what was the culmination of a five-month investigation involving the FBI and police from eight towns, authorities announced today the arrest of three individuals who allegedly robbed hundreds of cell phones from local electronic stores.

A fourth suspect remains at large, police said. It is expected that he'll be in custody soon.

The robbery spree started on Jan. 27 and lasted through May 16. During that time, the suspects stole about 400 cell phones from Radio Shacks and an AT&T store and a Verizon one, in the following towns:

  • Orange
  • New Haven
  • Trumbull
  • East Haven
  • Hamden
  • Wallingford
  • Clinton
  • New Britain
Police said handguns were either displayed or implied at the robberies, which typically took place either right before closing or just after opening. Store employees were tied up in at least two of the robberies.

Robert Lawlor, Det. Sgt. with the New Haven Police Department, said it was after the third robbery in Hamden that authorities realized these weren't isolated incidents -- given the similar descriptions of the suspects and their "M.O."

Lawlor said the suspects were selling the smart phones on the street, and that police have recovered very few of them.

The suspects arrested are:

Lorraine Nicole Outlaw, 20, of Bridgeport, on charges from Orange Police of second-degree robbery, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny. She was held on a $500,000 bond.

Forenza Rakeem Murphy, 21, of Bridgeport, on charges from Orange Police of second-degree robbery, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny. She was held on a $500,000 bond.

Michael Salvatore Carbonell, 22, of New Haven, on charges from Clinton Police of second-degree robbery, first-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, and unlawful restraint. He was held on a $250,000 bond.

Still at large is Demetrius Wilkes, 22, of an unknown address. He's wanted by Trumbull Police on charges of first-degree robbery and first-degree larceny.

Authorities say several additional warrants for these individuals are pending.


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