Two suspects accused of grand theft from the Safeway store in Hollister had their preliminary examination moved to Sept. 14.
Melique K. Carter and Annalisia F. Kapisi are set for a preliminary examination, where Judge Steven Sanders will decide if there is enough evidence for a trial, at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in courtroom 3, according to records. Their prior prelminary examination set for Aug. 31 was vacated.
The San Benito County District Attorney’s Office on July 9 charged the two suspects in a Safeway pharmacy theft from July 5.
Carter and Kapisi were charged by the D.A. on suspicion of grand theft and receiving/selling stolen property, both felonies, for the incident in Hollister. If convicted of grand theft alone, the suspects could face up to three years in prison.
According to a description from the Hollister Police Department released after the arrests:
On the night of July 5, Hollister police received a report that a theft had just occurred at Safeway, 591 Tres Pinos Road. The reporting party provided a description of the two suspects, a vehicle description and the last direction of travel. While responding to the call, Officer Masso located a vehicle matching the given description leaving the area occupied by two individuals matching the description of the suspects.
Officer Masso made a traffic stop on the vehicle on Hillcrest Road and contacted 2 suspects, Melique Carter (19) and Annalisia Kapisi (18) from Vallejo, California. Officer Masso found several boxes of over-the-counter medications and other items in the vehicle. Information obtained during the investigation suggests that the two may have traveled from city to city to commit similar thefts.
The recovered stolen property was not only from the theft at the Hollister store. Subsequent investigation revealed items were stolen from the store in Prunedale, CA and a store in Half Moon Bay, CA. The total amount of stolen pharmaceuticals recovered was in excess of $3,300.00. Both Carter and Kapisi are on probation from San Mateo County for prior convictions.
Carter and Kapisi were both arrested without incident and booked on the charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the business employee who called to report the crime in progress and providing accurate and timely information. Our partnership with the community is an essential element regarding crime prevention, the capture of suspects and making Hollister a safer place to live.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Masso at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the <strong>WeTip</strong> Hotline at <strong>800-78-CRIME</strong>. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
-Kollin Kosmicki
