Shoplifters Arrested with $1,400 in Clothes

Four alleged thieves were caught with drugs and $1,400 worth of stolen clothes Tuesday night.

"I exited my cruiser and immediately drew my firearm for safety fears," wrote Marlborough Police Officer David Priest of his encounter with the car full of suspects he pulled over on I-290 after they had left JC Penney. "At the time the occupants were moving their hands off the dashboard or seat where I ordered them to keep their hands."

The tense situation was alleviated when backup arrived and the occupants were moved outside of the vehicle. Police had been called after a store employee recognized the individuals as having stolen from JC Penney before, according to court documents.

The individuals, all from Leominster, were identified as Joshua Lee Racine, 33, of 7 Cross Street Apt. 2, Matthew S. Racine, 25, of 7 Cross Street Apt. 2, Toni E. Stroup, 22, of 159 Ridgewood Drive and Michael A. Ramos, 28, of 9 Manchester Street Apt. 2.

Police took an inventory of the clothes, finding $1,388 in clothing with no receipts, according to court records.

"Joshua admitted he was as the mall and admitted to stealing the items from JC Penney," wrote Priest in his report.

Police also found straws with a drug residue on them, according to court documents. When questioned, Stroup stated the substance was from 30 milligram pills of percocet.

Joshua Lee Racine was arrested on charges of larceny over $250, conspiracy and two warrants. One of those warrants stemmed from kidnapping and attempted murder charges, according to court documents. He was held on $1,500 cash bail.

Matthew S. Racine was arrested on charges of larceny over $250 and conspiracy. Toni E. Stroup was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property under $250, conspiracy and class B drug possession. Michael A. Ramos, was charged with larceny over $250 and conspiracy. All three were released on personal recognizance.