CT Lawmaker Accused Of Shoplifting; Takes Responsibility For Self-Checkout ‘Error’

BETHEL, CT — State Rep. Raghib Allie-Brennan (D-Bethel) has been accused of shoplifting at the Target store in Bethel.

Allie-Brennan attributed the incident to a self-checkout “error” as he was rushing to visit his hospitalized grandmother.

Allie-Brennan, who is Chief Majority Whip in the legislature, was arrested on Monday, according to the Hartford Courant blog Daily Ructions, which was first to report on the arrest.

Bethel police did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for details on the incident.

NBC Connecticut reported that the value of the items was worth $26.69. He was charged with sixth-degree larceny and given a court date of July 1 in Superior Court in Danbury, WTNH News 8 reported.

Allie-Brennan sent Patch the following statement via email Tuesday, and he also posted it on his Facebook page:

“During a recent visit to the Bethel Target, two items in my armload of others were not scanned. I was in a rush to bring items to my grandmother in the hospital, the store didn’t have bags, and I was juggling multiple purchases. While I do not have a record, I take full responsibility for the error and am working through the legal processes to resolve the matter quickly and respectfully.

I respect the law and Target’s right to enforce their loss prevention policy, and I remain committed to serving my community with transparency and integrity.”

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Allie-Brennan, a Bethel resident, is currently in his fourth term representing the 2nd Assembly district, which includes Bethel and part of Danbury, according to his online biography.

On his Facebook page, nearly 100 comments have quickly poured in with a wide spectrum of feedback, but many people posted a message of support.

"An honest mistake anyone could make! A true leader takes accountability just like this, thank you for setting an example! Keeping your grandmother in our thoughts," one person wrote.

While another person said, "It happens to the best of us when we are frazzled. The main thing is you admit it and you’re going to resolve the issue. Not everyone in a government position is as transparent as you are. Knowing you I know you didn’t mean to do it."

Several commenters on his Facebook post took issue with self-checkout machines in general.