News release provided by Monroe Police MONROE, N.C. (News Release) — A proactive traffic stop by a Monroe Police Department patrol officer led to the disruption of an unusual but increasingly common theft scheme targeting local businesses. On December 18, 2025 at 3:00 a.m. a patrol officer stopp ed a van displaying a fictitious license plate and, during the investigation, discovered a substantial quantity of used cooking oil inside the vehicle. Additional patrol officers checked surrounding areas and located a grease container at Hathaway’s Fried Chicken, 1310 W. Roosevelt Blvd., where a lock had been cut and the container had been tampered with.  Through follow-up investigation, officers were able to link the occupants of the van to two separate locations in Monroe where used grease waste had been stolen. As a result, Dante Miller, 30, of Concord, and Marc Williams, 36, of New York, were arrested and charged with possession of burglar’s tools, felony larceny, injury to personal property, and conspiracy to commit a felony. While the theft of used cooking oil may sound unusual, it has become an increasingly lucrative crime in recent years due to the oil’s value as a key ingredient in biodiesel production. These crimes are far from harmless and create significant financial losses and operational disruptions for the businesses targeted. The Monroe Police Department credits proactive patrol strategies, officer awareness, and teamwork for bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion and remains committed to protecting local businesses and the community. ...read more read less