Video Footage Shared On Social Media Leads To Quick Arrest Of Shoplifters In Big Flats

[ElmiraTelegram 54]

On Saturday, video surveillance footage was released to Facebook by the owners of Foster's Wines & Spirits in Big Flats showing three people working together to steal a quantity of merchandise from the store. The video was shared across social media and viewed more than 35,000 times. 

 

A few hours later, New York State Police in Horseheads arrested 34-year-old Michelle Russo of Elmira New York for shoplifting.  Russo was charged with petit larceny for stealing several bottles of liquor and wine from Foster’s Wine & Spirits in Big Flats. 

Two other subjects were identified with the help of social media and police investigation, and their arrests are imminent. 

Russo was turned over to Elmira City Police Department for two outstanding warrants.  She is to appear in the Town of Big Flats court on April 26, 2018.    

The owners of Foster's thanked the public for their help. "It's funny how many people threw these criminals under the bus inorder to do the right thing," they wrote. "My phone went off all day with people coming forward to help out."