Portsmouth Police Recovered $40,000 in Stolen Goods
Authorities used license plate tracking to arrest one suspect in a larceny case involving U.S. Navy property.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Property Crime
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The Portsmouth Police Department arrested 58-year-old Teresa Diane Barham after using license plate recognition technology to recover $40,000 worth of stolen items. The stolen materials were intended for use by the United States Navy.
Why it matters
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning to advanced surveillance technology to track high-value cargo theft and recover assets quickly. This investigation highlights the use of automated plate tracking to connect suspects to the sale of stolen goods.
Portsmouth police have charged Teresa Diane Barham with Larceny with Intent to Sell. Investigators are actively seeking two additional suspects, Denton Allen Everton and Loren Torreo Butts, both facing charges of Grand Larceny and Larceny with Intent to Sell.
The players
Portsmouth Police Department
This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and investigating criminal activity within Portsmouth.
Teresa Diane Barham
She is a 58-year-old suspect arrested and charged by police in connection with the theft.
Denton Allen Everton
He is a 61-year-old individual sought by authorities on charges of Grand Larceny and Larceny with Intent to Sell.
Loren Torreo Butts
He is a 25-year-old individual sought by authorities on charges of Grand Larceny and Larceny with Intent to Sell.
United States Navy
This is the branch of the United States Armed Forces for which the stolen materials were originally intended.
The details
Detectives with the Portsmouth Police Department Criminal Investigations Bureau utilized license plate recognition technology to identify locations linked to the crime. This digital tracking allowed authorities to pinpoint where the items were sold and proceed with the investigation.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Police used license plate recognition technology in the investigation.
Legal Context
The use of automated surveillance systems reflects a growing shift in how municipal police departments track suspects and recovered goods. This case demonstrates how modern monitoring infrastructure is increasingly being integrated into standard property crime investigations.
The deployment of license plate recognition technology in local investigations may lead to heightened surveillance of commercial traffic in affected areas. Residents should remain aware that authorities are utilizing these systems to actively monitor and prevent theft of high-value materials.
The takeaway
The recovery of these materials demonstrates the efficacy of digital surveillance in identifying the chain of custody for stolen goods. Local businesses and institutions are encouraged to maintain detailed inventory records to assist law enforcement during such investigations.
Further reading
For more on how authorities track regional theft, visit the Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAVY-TV 10 Hampton Roads.
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