Shoplifting charges against WTNH-TV reporter dropped

HARTFORD — The lawyer for a Connecticut TV traffic reporter says shoplifting charges against his client have been dismissed and she has resigned from WTNH-TV.

Hugh Keefe says Desiree Fontaine has performed community service and will not have a criminal record.

Kirk Varner, vice president and director of news, said the New Haven TV station has accepted Fontaine's resignation and he wished her well.

Earlier this month, Fontaine pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor larceny charge. Authorities said she stole $105 in jewelry, cologne and clothing from a Sears store in Milford June 19. A police report said Fontaine told an officer she was a freelance reporter and doing "something on the side" when she was arrested.

Fontaine had been on leave from WTNH since the incident.