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Batavia men accused of trying to shoplift more than $1K in items in Henrietta

By Howard B. Owens

One Batavia man was arrested and a warrant issued for another last week by Monroe County Sheriff's deputies for an alleged scheme to shoplift a basketful of items from the Home Depot in Henrietta.

Chad M. Johnston, 24, of Batavia, was taken into custody Aug. 5 and a warrant was issued for Mark W. McWerthy, 43, also of Batavia.

The duo is accused of filling up two shopping carts full of identical merchandise, running one through a check-out stand while leaving one unattended, then returning for the second cart and trying to exit the store using the first receipt as a proof of purchase.

The cart reportedly contained more than $1,000 in merchandise.

Johnston, already on parole, was jailed without bail. McWerthy reportedly fled the scene before deputies arrived.

Both are being charged with grand larceny, 4th.

In February, Johnston admitted in Genesee County Court to a burglary on Fairway Drive, where he attempted to steal more than $1,000 in household items, including a washer and lawn mower. Johnston was reportedly on parole at the time.

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