PD: Middlefield Man, Girlfriend Stole from Auto Parts Store

A Middlefield man and his girlfriend are accused of stealing about $150 worth of merchandise from a Middletown auto parts store earlier this month, police say. 

Mark Clementel, 53, of 386 Jackson Hill Road, was charged with sixth degree larceny for his role in the alleged theft on Oct. 16.

According to police, Clementel and his girlfriend, Kristen Foster, 46, of Colchester, were suspected of shoplifting by employees at the Advance Auto Parts store on Washington Street.

Police were notified and when officers confronted Foster inside the store and asked whether she had taken any merchandise without paying she replied, "I have some stuff," a report says.

According to a store employee, Clementel distracted a cashier for about an hour while Foster put several items worth about $60 in her purse, including an iPhone case, liquid chalk and a leather BB case. 

Foster is charged with sixth degree larceny and is due in court Oct. 31.

Police found Clementel in the store's parking lot where he agreed to allow police to search his vehicle. Inside the car, police found several items taken from the store including a laser pointer, 5-hour energy drink and a bungee cord. 

Clementel, a convicted sex offender, was arrested last month by State Police and charged with driving on a suspended license and driving without insurance.

According to court records, Clementel lost his license after he was found guilty in January of operating under the influence following a motorcycle crash that left him in a coma.

He's currently free on $2,500 bond and is also due in court Oct. 31.