Queen Of Pickpockets Nabbed

After a year-long investigation, police at the 112th Precinct in Forest Hills arrested Jade Weeks, 40, of Jamaica as Austin Streets pickpocket "queen." Police said she is believed to be part of a pickpocket ring.
Crime Prevention Officer John Cordts, a 17-year veteran, said the Precincts Grand Larceny Squad arrested this alleged kingpin in the operation. He said the squad benefited from close cooperation with Austin Street merchants.
Ms.Weeks was charged with fourth degree grand larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance (heroin) in the fourth degree.
"We call her the Queen of Pickpockets," Officer Cordts said. "She allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars in cash and merchandise from such stores as Barnes & Noble and the Gap. As a member of the Lucille Roberts Gym, she allegedly looted valuables left by members in the ladies Dressing room, he added.
According to Patrick Clark, spokesperson for District Attorney Richard A. Brown, Ms. Weeks was arraigned on December 19 and, if convicted, faces up to one year in prison. He said she is being held for trial.
Officer Cordts said that dozens of stores in Forest Hills have been targeted by as many as two pickpocket rings.
"Ms. Weeks is known to work closely with another accomplice," Officer Cordts said. "We are hot on her trail."
The four-man grand larceny squad that cracked the case includes Sergeant Joseph Fezza, Officer Daniel OBrien, Officer Greg Bahrenburg and Officer Harley Polikoff.
Meanwhile, Community Affairs Officer David Valovage told The Queens Courier that it could not photograph members of the Grand Larceny Squad because they operate under cover.
According to the criminal indictment filed in Queens County Criminal Court, Ms. Weeks "knowingly possessed stolen property consisting of credit and debit cards with intent to benefit herself."
Sergeant Michael J. Kushner, who helped oversee the operation, said that Ms.Weeks arrest came when Gap security guard Mark Lawrence questioned her about suspicious purchases she was making. The woman from Jamaica then dropped the stolen credit cards and fled the store.
Sergeant Kushner said the security guard viewed "photo arrays" at the 112th Precinct and identified Ms. Weeks. The squad also had a file on her from past offenses.
The matter was investigated and the four members of the squad staked out Ms. Weeks home and arrested her when she emerged.
Authorities said that a number of scams had been perpetrated by other members of the ring still at large. They often prey on women with baby carriages. Officer Cordts said there also have been several Asian men stealing identity cards for illegal use.
Officer Cordts said that the crackdown on pickpockets is continuing and that more arrests are expected.