SNOW HILL — A Bishopville woman, arrested on burglary, theft and other charges in September, pleaded guilty to multiple counts last week and was sentenced to 18 months in jail and ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution to the victims.
On Sept. 11, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) was conducting a follow-up investigation into numerous burglaries and thefts that had occurred in the county in August. During the investigation, WCBI detectives learned a suspect identified as Stacey Lynn Dean Jester, 31, of Bishopville, had been selling electronics to a West Ocean City business.
Detectives responded to the business and were informed Jester had previously sold it numerous televisions, cell phones and laptop computers. WCBI detectives also learned Jester had just called the business and informed them she was coming over with another laptop to sell. Detectives were aware Jester was already wanted on outstanding arrest warrants through the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocean City Police Department.
WCBI detectives, along with Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to the West Ocean City business in order to apprehend Jester. A short time later, Jester arrived in a black vehicle along with two other suspects identified as Jamie Esham and Nicole Shortlidge. Jester went into the business and was followed by a detective, who took her into custody on the outstanding warrants.
After being placed under arrest, Jester was taken in a marked patrol vehicle to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in Snow Hill for processing. While standing at the vehicle, Jester attempted to flee from officers despite being handcuffed. She was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
During subsequent interviews with the suspect, it was discovered Jester had syringes and paraphernalia for heroin usage in the vehicle. Shortlidge and Esham, who had been detained, acknowledged they were aware of the syringes in the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and revealed several syringes, spoons, and other paraphernalia indicative of heroin use in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Jester was charged on the arrest warrants, along with second-degree burglary, theft from $1,000 to under $10,000 and second-degree escape for attempting to flee from officers. She was ordered to be held without bond on the second-degree burglary count, but was held on a $10,000 bond for the theft charges and released on recognizance on the escape count. Shortlidge and Esham were charged with possession of heroin and possession of paraphernalia and were released on recognizance.
Jester had been charged in late June with theft and drug possession charges after allegedly swapping price tags on high-end items with cheaper ones before being found with heroin and paraphernalia.
Around 4:30 p.m. on July 26, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Wal-Mart on Route 50 for a reported theft. Through the investigation, deputies learned the suspect, identified as Jester, had allegedly switched price tags on an item, swapping a $198.96 tag for a tag for 97 cents. Jester then attempted to return the item for a full cash refund. Deputies arrested Jester and charged her with theft under $1,000. During a search subsequent to the arrest, deputies found heroin and drug paraphernalia and possession charges were tacked on.
Last week, Jester pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of theft, escape and possession of heroin. She was sentenced to 10 years in jail, all but 18 months of which was suspended. She was also ordered to pay nearly $7,000 in restitution to various victims.