Shoplifting charge dropped against Conn. reporter

[July 28, 2010]  HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The lawyer for a Connecticut television traffic reporter once accused of using her work as a ruse for shoplifting says the charge has been dismissed.

WTNH news director Kirk Varner says the New Haven station has accepted Desiree Fontaine's resignation. Defense lawyer Hugh Keefe says the resignation was part of an agreement with the station.

Fontaine pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor larceny charge after authorities said she stole more than $100 in jewelry, cologne and clothing from a Sears store in Milford in June.

Police say Fontaine told an officer she was a freelance reporter and was doing "something on the side." She didn't say for whom she was working.

Keefe says the charge was dropped after she performed community service.

[Associated Press]

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