Woman Accused Of Stealing 9/11 Foundation Raffle Items

NEW CITY, NY — A Sullivan County woman was accused of stealing raffle merchandise that would have benefited a 9/11 foundation.

The Clarkstown Police Department said it received a report Oct. 3 that merchandise was stolen from the 9/11 Education Foundation and Foley Strong.

The theft happened sometime during the overnight hours while the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit was being held at Germonds Park, police said.

Officers responded to the park where members of the foundation said the stolen items included sports memorabilia, watches, a cooler, speakers and lawn chairs.

The funds that were to be raised by raffling off the items would have gone to help the foundation deliver educational and monetary support. The mission of the foundation is to make sure 9/11 is not forgotten and that those still suffering from the effects of the attacks are supported and heard, police said.

An investigation determined that Shannon Morris, 51, of Bloomingburg, Sullivan County, had stolen the items from the tent located at the park.

She was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, felonies, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

Morris was arraigned Wednesday in the Clarkstown Justice Court and released without bail. She is scheduled to return to court Dec. 9.

Police said the stolen items still have not been recovered.