Increased patrols at Salvation Army net two arrests

By The News Virginian Staff

Published: June 17, 2008

Increased patrols around the Waynesboro Salvation Army in response to recent reports of after-hours theft and illegal dumping netted two arrests over the weekend, police said.

Waynesboro resident Jose Luis Valero-Montalvo, 47, accompanied by a juvenile, pulled into the Salvation Army parking lot at around 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sgt. Kelly Walker of the Waynesboro Police Department said. After depositing a bundle of clothing in the donation receptacle and waiting until several bystanders left the scene, he allegedly loaded a window air-conditioning unit, table fan, a video cassette recorder and miscellaneous household goods into his truck, Sgt. Walker said. The donated items were valued at about $200.

Officers observed the alleged thefts and stopped Valero-Montalvo after he drove off the Salvation Army premises, Walker said. He has been charged with grand larceny, trespassing and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

At around 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Lori Lynn Chinito, 33, of Waynesboro allegedly rifled through several bags of donated clothing at the facility before stealing a pair of blue jeans, Walker said. She was pulled over and arrested shortly after the alleged theft. Because she has two previous larceny convictions, she was charged with felony larceny and trespassing.

Police issued three other summons for trespassing to people caught over the weekend on Salvation Army property after business hours, Walker said.