The Bensalem Police Department announced the arrest of two men accused of a series of retail thefts. Willie Floyd Upson, 44, of N. Fairhill Street, Philadelphia, and Barry Ali Bailey, 47, of McMichael Street, Philadelphia, were arrested after allegedly stealing high-end tequila from the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in Bensalem.
According to the Bensalem Police's Post, over several weeks, police investigated multiple thefts. The first, on December 10, involved a green Toyota Tundra seen aiding the suspects’ escape. A similar theft occurred on December 19 with the same vehicle. On December 27, a store manager recognized the suspects, alerted authorities, and the individuals were apprehended wearing clothing matching previous incidents.
During the arrests, authorities found the suspects with new tequila bottles and wearing "concealment garments" similar to girdles for hiding stolen goods. Both were charged with Retail Theft and Criminal Conspiracy. Upson’s bail was set at $50,000 and Bailey’s at $40,000, both at 10%.
Two others connected to Upson and Bailey were also arrested on unrelated shoplifting warrants. Police credited the coordinated effort of officers and attentive employees for breaking up the theft ring. The Bensalem Police emphasized their commitment to protecting local businesses and holding repeat offenders accountable.
