Two men allegedly stole alcohol from a convenience store while wearing hollowed-out watermelons as masks in a purported attempt to conceal their identities.
On the evening of May 5, the Sheetz convenience store in Louisa, Virginia, was visited by two people wearing masks that appeared unrelated to COVID-19 protection, as they were reportedly made of watermelon rinds that encased their heads. The watermelons had their innards removed and eye holes were carved for visibility.
The suspects, who were reportedly riding in a black Toyota Tacoma, allegedly grabbed liquor from the store’s supply and walked out without paying for the products.
When the authorities learned of the allegedly seedy caper they began an investigation that led to one of the people they believed was involved in the incident.
20-year-old Justin M. Rogers, who celebrated his 21st birthday just over a week later on May 15, was accused of misdemeanor larceny of alcohol, misdemeanor possession of alcohol by an underage person, and felony prohibition of wearing a face-covering in public.
Although the response to the pandemic has encouraged face coverings, according to Virginia law, anyone over the age of 16 wearing apparatus to hide their face in public with “the intent to conceal his identity” can face a penalty of up to 5-years of incarceration.
The police, who said they “pretty much know” who the second suspect is, are still investigating the person but had not yet made an arrest at the time that this blog was written.
The police chief reported that when an image of the suspects was posted on their Facebook page the response was so overwhelming that they decided to remove the content.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.