T&T Hilltop Employee Allegedly Steals Vehicle

On Thursday, February 15, 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was called to T&T Hilltop Lounge on Hwy 100 in New Haven after reports of a car being stolen from the parking lot. 

T&T Hilltop's owner told police that an employee allegedly stole his 2002 Chevrolet S10 and a cash register. Video surveillance from inside showed said employee entering the business after hours, stealing the register and the over $1,500 in cash contained within.

Deputies learned that the suspect had likely fled the state, so put out a warrant on Michael Lee Kendall, 53, on February 23, 2024. The charges listed on the warrant were Stealing a motor vehicle, Burglary 2nd degree, and Stealing over $750.00 with a bond of $100,000.

On Friday, March 1, 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Orange County Sheriff's Office out of California, stating they had Kendall in custody. Kendall was arrested on the Franklin County warrant and additional unnamed charges in California. Kendall is expected to be extradited back to Franklin County after his release from California.