Traffic reporter Desiree Fontaine says she shoplifted for freelance assignment

Desiree Fontaine, the 33-year old traffic reporter for television station WTNH-TV who was arrested last Saturday for shoplifting from a Sears store in Milford, Connecticut, reportedly told police that she was working on a freelance news story that evidently entailed stealing from the retailer.

Fontaine, who has been charged with one count of misdemeanor larceny, was caught on camera stealing $104.88 worth of jewelry, cologne and a men's Hawaiian shirt at the mall. According to the police report, which was released on Wednesday, Fontaine, who also hosts WTNH's "Connecticut Style" program, told police that her actions were part of a freelance assignment and that she was doing "something on the side."

However, Fontaine did not disclose who she was working for, which led police to dismiss her claim and proceed with charges. Fontaine's lawyer declined to comment on the police report.

Here's the surveillance recording of Fontaine shoplifting. It clearly shows her talking on her cell phone, trying on jewelry, and walking out of the store without paying.

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