Baby Food Must Be Getting Expensive

Suffolk County Police today arrested three people for stealing approximately $1,400 worth of baby formula from several area supermarkets over a two-month period.

Sixth Precinct Crime Section Officer Thomas Pryor conducted an investigation into a pattern of larcenies where baby formula was taken from Stop & Shop supermarkets in Centereach and Miller Place. Officer Pryor, assisted in the investigation by Stop & Shop’s Larry Davis, Head of Loss Prevention and Maurice Faulk, a Loss Prevention Associate, obtained video surveillance of the thefts. The officer was able to identify two people from the video. The continuing investigation led to the identities of the other two people, including one who is currently incarcerated and will be charged at a later date.



Daniel Elam, 29, of 83 Argyle Drive West, Shirley, was charged with five counts of Petit Larceny for the theft of baby formula from a Stop & Shop supermarket, located at 260 Pond Path, Centereach, and two counts of Petit Larceny for theft from another Stop & Shop supermarket, located at 385 Route 25A, Miller Place. In addition, Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers charged Daniel Elam with one count of Petit Larceny for the theft of baby formula from a King Kullen supermarket, located at 153 Ronkonkoma Ave., Ronkonkoma.

Robert Elam, 32, and Kathy Elam, 54, both of 217 North Washington Ave., Centereach, were charged with one count of Petit Larceny for the theft of baby formula from a Stop & Shop supermarket, located at 385 Route 25A, Miller Place.

Daniel and Robert Elam are scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip on February 9. Kathy Elam was issued a Field Appearance Ticket and is scheduled for arraignment on April 7. The investigation is continuing.