A shoplifting call at a Stafford department store yesterday led to the discovery of additional criminal activity.

On July 14th deputies responded to the Kohls in Stafford Market Place for a shoplifting. The suspect had fled the store, but thanks to the description provided by loss prevention Deputy X.D. Bates was able to locate the suspect in a nearby car.

Upon approaching the car, Deputy Bates observed the occupants ogling the ill-gotten goods which still had Kohls tags attached. The rear seat passenger was identified as Samuel Johnson, 36, of Stafford. Deputy Bates determined Johnson had been the suspect in the store responsible for the theft of $314 of merchandise. Additionally suspected controlled substances were located in the vehicle. Johnson was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and shoplifting. He was held at the Rappahannock regional Jail on a $3,000 bond.

A front seat passenger knew he was wanted and attempted to give a false name. It didn’t work. The man was identified as Jerome Bell, 31, of Essex County. Bell was wanted in Stafford for failing to comply with pretrial and failure to appear in Stafford. He was additionally charged with false identification, identity theft, obstruction, possession of controlled substances and possession of controlled paraphernalia. He was held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.