Auburn, NY — July 9, 2025:
A woman was charged with felony burglary after she attempted to steal seafood — including crab legs — from the Tops supermarket on Genesee Street in Auburn. The incident occurred on July 4, and the suspect was identified as Rebecca Gould, who had previously been banned from the store.
Why This Is a Felony Burglary Case
According to a media release by the Auburn Police Department, officers responded to a larceny complaint at 352 Genesee Street, where they discovered Gould with stolen seafood. Because she had been previously trespassed from the store following an earlier incident, this time her presence inside the building was considered unlawful entry, triggering a third-degree burglary charge, which is a Class D felony under New York State law.
“She wasn’t just shoplifting — her re-entry after being banned made it a felony,” a local official explained.
Charges Filed Against Rebecca Gould
- Burglary in the Third Degree (Class D Felony)
- Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor)
Bail Set Due to Criminal History
After her arrest, Rebecca Gould was taken to the Cayuga County Jail, where prosecutors requested a $20,000 bail, citing her previous criminal history. As of now, she remains in custody while awaiting court proceedings.
What Was Stolen?
The merchandise included seafood items, with crab legs being the most notable. The total value of the stolen goods was not disclosed, but the act of theft was considered serious enough due to her repeat offense and prior banning from the store.
What Is Third-Degree Burglary?
Under New York Penal Law §140.20, burglary in the third degree is defined as knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime. The maximum sentence can reach up to 7 years in state prison, especially if the suspect has prior convictions.
Related Incidents
Retail thefts in Auburn and surrounding areas have been increasing, according to local law enforcement. Authorities are particularly cracking down on repeat offenders, especially those who violate no-trespass orders from previous thefts.
Key Takeaways
- A woman was charged with felony burglary after attempting to steal crab legs from a Tops store in Auburn.
- She had previously been banned from the location, which made her entry illegal.
- The suspect, Rebecca Gould, faces both felony and misdemeanor charges and is held on a $20,000 bail.
- This incident highlights how retail theft can escalate to serious legal consequences when trespassing is involved.
