Two women indicted on $4,000 shoplifting spree at five local stores

Two of three women accused of an elaborate shoplifting spree in October have been indicted by a Jefferson County grand jury.

Sharonica E. Barber, 39, Utica, and Nikita Godwin, 22, Syracuse, were indicted Thursday on one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and possession of burglar tools. The two women and Ebony M. Ellis, 34, also of Utica, were arrested Oct. 6 after they were accused of stealing merchandise worth $4,078 in an Oct. 6 shoplifting spree that took place in five stores.

Ms. Barber and Ms. Godwin allegedly stole the merchandise from T.J. Maxx, Hollister, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lids and Victoria’s Secret. Police said they hid the merchandise in plastic bags that contained material that thwarted theft protection devices. The indictment also accuses Ms. Godwin of resisting arrest and second-degree harassment for allegedly pulling away from and kicking a police officer.

Last Tuesday, Ms. Ellis pleaded guilty to attempted fourth-degree grand larceny for her involvement in the shoplifting spree. She is scheduled for sentencing Feb. 17.

In other cases Thursday:

Lemarr Smith, 24, was indicted on third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree promoting prison contraband in a June 30 incident at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility. He was arrested after it was discovered he had a handmade piece of plastic that had been sharpened to a point.

Stefan T. Corpening, 23, of 119 Wyoming Ave., was indicted on a felony charge of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation for allegedly driving without a license after he had been drinking alcohol.

On June 23, he was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated on Michigan Avenue. His blood alcohol content was 0.24 percent, police said. Under state law, a BAC of 0.08 percent is the threshold for intoxication. Aggravated DWI is charged when the BAC is 0.18 percent or more. He also was cited with failure to keep right.

Jordan A. McAvoy, 24, Conroy Drive, Carthage, was indicted on felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation.

He was charged Aug. 21 with DWI on Hospital Drive in Carthage. He also was charged with unsafe lane change, speeding and failure to keep right. Police said he had a BAC of 0.09 percent.