A Bloomington man accused of stealing vape products and a THC-related item from a local smoke shop appeared in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing Aug. 13 after being arrested the previous day on a warrant issued July 24.

Jesse Irvin Richardson, 37, was arrested Aug. 12 on the warrant and is charged with Level 6 felony theft.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bloomfield Town Marshal Kenneth Tharp, the investigation began after the manager of Smoker's Host in White's Square reported a theft that occurred July 11.

Store manager Jenny Donegan provided surveillance video to police that allegedly showed Richardson placing merchandise into his pockets before leaving the store without paying.

The affidavit states the clerk on duty told investigators Richardson had attempted to purchase items but was unable to complete the transaction because he could not provide valid identification. After reviewing inventory the following day, employees discovered several items were missing and confirmed the alleged theft by reviewing surveillance footage.

Police allege the video shows Richardson concealing merchandise while the clerk was distracted before leaving the business without completing a purchase.

According to court documents, the stolen merchandise included a Fogger disposable pod in Orange Slush flavor, a Fogger Switch Pro Kit in Cola Slush flavor and a Mellow Fellow Delta THC ampule.

During the investigation, police learned Richardson had posted bond from the Greene County Jail on July 11 in an unrelated Level 6 felony theft case only hours before the alleged shoplifting incident occurred.

The probable cause affidavit also notes Richardson has prior felony convictions for auto theft in 2019 and burglary in 2017.

The charge is an allegation, and Richardson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.