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News & Information

Department: Prosecutor's Office

Press Release - Plea of Wendell Bates

Release Date: September 22, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

September 22, 2021

     Sussex County Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announced the entry of a guilty plea to an indictment before the Honorable Michael C. Gaus, J.S.C., at the Sussex County Courthouse in Newton on September 22, 2021, by Wendell Bates.

     Bates, age 55 of Westminster, Maryland, pled guilty to Conspiracy and Shoplifting, both third degree crimes.  Sentencing is presently anticipated for December 2, 2021.

     In pleading guilty, the defendant admitted complicity in taking merchandise from the Hampton Walmart on January 27, 2018, without paying.

     The case was investigated by Tpr. J. Celi of the New Jersey State Police.  

     Bates was represented by William J. Oake, Esq., and the State was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Donald F. Cox, Jr.

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