HINTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Hinton man is facing shoplifting and trespassing charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General while under an active trespass order and later admitting to additional thefts from a local Kroger store.
According to law enforcement, management at the Dollar General in Hinton reported an ongoing shoplifting issue involving Casey Bennett on June 10.
Deputies reviewed store surveillance footage from the night of June 9 and observed Bennett entering the store, concealing merchandise inside his pants, and leaving without paying for the items. The stolen merchandise was identified as two men’s shirts valued at $25.15.
Following the incident, Patrolman Stowers of the Hinton Police Department located Bennett, recovered the stolen shirts, and returned them to the store.
Investigators also discovered that Bennett had previously been served with a trespass notice at the Dollar General on May 21 by Sheriff Faris, legally barring him from returning to the property.
On the evening of June 10, deputies located Bennett and advised him of his Miranda rights. According to the complaint, Bennett agreed to speak with investigators and admitted to stealing the shirts from Dollar General.
During the interview, Bennett reportedly told deputies he was “going through a hard time” and confessed to stealing various hygiene products from the Hinton Kroger store as well.
Authorities said Bennett acknowledged that he knew he was actively trespassed from both the Dollar General and Kroger properties at the time of the alleged thefts.
Investigators are now working with Kroger management to review surveillance footage, collect evidence, and obtain an itemized list of the stolen merchandise. Additional charges related to the Kroger incident, including shoplifting and criminal trespass, are expected.
Court records reviewed by investigators show Bennett has previous shoplifting convictions dating back to Aug. 23, 2022, and Nov. 12, 2025.
The case remains under investigation, and additional charges are pending.
