Crime, Police/Fire

Package theft arrests lead to recovery of stolen handmade quilt

Stolen Quilt Sutphin BrooksA cache of stolen property was recovered by detectives when they arrested two suspects linked to a series of package thefts late Tuesday night.

The majority of the items are easily replaced, having been ordered online. One item, however, is a bit more special, and detectives are hoping to return it to its rightful owner, with the public’s help.

The double-sided handmade quilt pictured has a heartfelt inscription sewn onto it that detectives are hoping will help them determine who made the quilt. They are also hoping either the intended recipient or the crafter will recognize the photos of the quilt and claim it. The problem is, no one knows where it was sent or where it came from.

This quilt was just one of a number of stolen items that were recovered from a room at the Deluxe Plaza Motel in the 6400 block of Pulaski Highway when officers arrested two suspects, identified as Kenneth David Sutphin, 33, and Kimberly Diane Brooks, 33, responsible for a rash of package thefts in eastern Baltimore County and neighboring jurisdictions.

The thefts began in early-December, with the most recent theft occurring on Friday, January 12. With the arrests of Sutphin and Brooks, 40 out of 44 reported theft cases will be cleared, not including the countless other cases that have gone unreported.

Stolen Quilt Rosedale

The investigation into Sutphin and Brooks began when police  handled a call for a stolen package in the 9600 block of Trepid Road, followed by a call for a number of empty delivery boxes discarded in the bushes along Miller Road. Police located all of the individuals identified on the box’s address labels, marking the beginning of what became a long and complex investigation.

Officers located surveillance video of the suspects and their vehicle, matched that to descriptions given by witnesses, and eventually located one of the stolen items at a pawn shop, identifying Brooks as suspect number one. Police then identified the second suspect as Sutphin, linking both to package thefts in multiple neighborhoods. Ultimately, one case from the Towson precinct, 8 cases between the Parkville and White Marsh precincts, and 11 cases in Dundalk were cleared.

The next step was to find Sutphin and Brooks, neither of whom had a fixed address. Detectives obtained information indicating that Sutphin and Brooks were staying in motels. Authorities then began a search for the suspect vehicle at area motels, ending when officers found it at the Deluxe Plaza Motel. After discovering more stolen merchandise than could be accounted for in the motel room, including the quilt, police began checking theft reports throughout Baltimore County, linking Sutphin and Brooks to an additional 20 cases, including cases in the Cockeysville and Essex precincts.

Sutphin and Brooks are now charged in Baltimore County with numerous counts of 4th Degree Burglary, Grand Theft, Theft between $100 – $1500, and Theft Under $100. Sutphin is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $10,000 bond. Brooks is also charged with theft and Rogue and Vagabond in Harford County and is being held at the Harford County Detention Center on $2500 bond. Both also face additional charges in other jurisdictions.

Anyone who may recognize or has information regarding this quilt, or anyone with additional information regarding the theft of delivered packages, is asked to contact detectives at 410-887-7309.

Baltimore County Police offers suggestions to residents on options for safeguarding against package theft:

  • Request delivery services to place packages out of sight or at a rear door
  • Ask a neighbor to pick up packages for you if they see them delivered
  • Use an alternative address where someone will be available to receive packages
  • Choose an option for picking up your packages at a delivery center
  • Never leave packages visible in a vehicle
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