EAST STROUDSBURG, PA – Stroud Area Regional Police are asking for the public’s help locating a 48-year-old East Stroudsburg woman wanted on an outstanding bench warrant stemming from a 2023 shoplifting incident at Walmart.

Miriam Palmira Mendez has been wanted since July 18, 2023, after failing to appear for court on theft charges, according to police.

The Original Incident

On April 10, 2023, Stroud Area Regional Police responded to the Walmart location at 355 Lincoln Avenue in East Stroudsburg around 5:32 p.m. for a report of retail theft.

Loss prevention staff reported that Mendez had concealed $157.46 worth of merchandise in a bag and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items.

Mendez was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Monroe County Correctional Facility for processing.

The Warrant

Charges were filed following the incident, but Mendez failed to appear for her scheduled court date. Magisterial District Judge Muth issued a bench warrant for her arrest on July 18, 2023.

Mendez is charged with theft by unlawful taking, a second-degree felony.

Monroe County Case: MJ-43202-CR-0000108-2023
Incident Number: 2023-008433
Warrant Issued: July 18, 2023
Issuing Authority: MDJ Muth

Suspect Description

Police describe Mendez as:

• Age: 48
• Height: 5’5″
• Weight: 168 lbs
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Race: Black female

Public Assistance Requested

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Miriam Palmira Mendez is urged to contact Stroud Area Regional Police. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the department’s tip line, or individuals may leave contact information for the investigating officer.

The warrant remains active and Mendez could face additional charges for failure to appear.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Contact Information:
Stroud Area Regional Police Department
100 Day Street
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
(570) 421-6800