Upper Darby flash mob faces stiff charges

The Upper Darby Police Department is seeking stiff penalties against the flash mob that descended on the Sears store on 69th Street June 23.

Investigators submitted case material to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office on Friday to charge the youths with retail theft and conspiracy to commit robbery for the combined value of the items stolen. Police said they recovered several hundred dollars' worth of merchandise from the youths who were arrested. That means the 15 juvenile suspects will face misdemeanor rather than summary charges - and more serious penalties if convicted.

The one adult, Kyree Marsh, 19, is being charged with retail theft, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, corruption of minors, and providing a false name to police. Marsh is believed to have organized the robbery.

Regarding the juveniles, Capt. George Rhoades with the Upper Darby Police Department said the stricter charges were chosen to send a strong message of deterrence.

Rhoades said the consequences for the youths could involve everything from curfews to drug and alcohol testing. The misdemeanor charges will also require more family involvement in the process. Rhoades said many family members had been surprised and upset that their children were involved.

"Several of the families told the juveniles that when they got home, they were going to have a problem," Rhoades said.

Contact staff writer Paul Jones

at 215-854-4636 or pjones@philly.com.