Novi Police Arrest Woman in Larceny Cases

The Novi Police Department arrested 21-year-old Novi resident Viriannia Johnson on July 18 for breaking into several vehicles. The arrest occurred as Novi Officers responded to several larceny from automobile complaints in the and condominium complexes. Community members alerted officers to an unknown cell phone near one of the crime scenes. Further investigation revealed the phone belonged to Johnson and a search of her home yielded numerous cell phones, jewelry, and GPS units linking her to crimes throughout Novi. Also located in the search were several pieces of mail that did not belong to her.

Investigators have contacted the United States Postal Inspector and it is believed Johnson may be responsible for mail fraud/theft not only in Novi, but in surrounding communities.

"This case serves as an example of the Novi Police Department working with community members to solve crime,” said Novi Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police David E. Molloy. “I am very pleased with the outcome of this case, and we look forward to returning the stolen property to the rightful owners.”

Johnson was arraigned on four felony counts of larceny from a motor vehicle, one felony count breaking and entering a vehicle and one misdemeanor count of breaking and entering a vehicle. Each felony charge carries a maximum prison term of five years and/or a $10,000 fine. The misdemeanor penalty is up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Johnson is being held in the Oakland County Jail on $35,000 cash/surety bond.

--From a City of Novi press release