Court: Judge Doesn't Budge on Accused Thief's Bail, Despite Tears

A Port Chester woman made a dramatic show in court this week, pleading for the judge to release her from jail despite her inability to make bail.

Sonjay Jones, 46, of Port Chester tearfully looked into the crowd at her family, as her lawyer pleaded to Judge Joseph A. Vita to reduce her bail from $1,000 to $500. Judge Vita refused and said that the bail would stay as-is.

Jones was charged with third-degree grand larceny, after she was arrested on Aug. 3, for stealing $6,500. According to Lt. James Laderious, Jones had gone into a convenience store on Willard Avenue and asked the owner a question.  While the owner was distracted, Jones stole an envelope on the counter with $6,500—and a bank deposit slip for the money—and walked away. Hours later, she returned to the store with the cash, claiming she had found it. The owner realized $2,500 was missing, called police and she was arrested on the scene.

The case is adjourned until Aug. 30.

Woman takes baby formula, razors, from A&P

A Port Chester woman will return to court later this month after she was charged with stealing from a local grocery store.

Lauren Wilfort, 32, of Greenwich, was charged with petty larceny on Saturday, when she stole about $153 worth of merchandise at the A&P on South Ridge Street. Wilfort took baby formula, sewing items, razors and Kool Aid and placed them into a black shopping bag, bypassing the store's cashiers. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail was set at $250. The case is adjourned until Aug. 30.

Court is in session Monday, Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m.