From arresting a shoplifter whose so-called criminal mastermind scheme over a pair of socks fell flat on its face. >> Did you steal the socks? >> But I took the socks out of the stuff that was already over and I said, "Okay, this is three socks in one pair going in." I'm standing at the register and then he came back and he said, "Well, get another one." So I did. I'm standing and I put it in my bag. >> I'm calling the bottom. 2 seconds before the cops go to a car. Cut the [ __ ] out. Answer the man's question. Stand up. >> Dealing with aisle bandits who hid stolen merchandise in the most bizarre places imaginable. >> Tell your co-workers to not make it seem to customers that come in, make it seem like they're stealing or something cuz they're not going to want to come back. All right. So, other than you putting that in your bra, what else did you take? All right, have a nice rest of your day. So, put your hands right here. >> Here are several moments when genius shoplifters nearly outsmarted the cops, then it all crumbles. Starting with this season's Karen shoplifter, the mischievous mastermind who seems to know every possible lame excuse to avoid a shoplifting arrest. >> Go ahead. All of it's brand new. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. I don't I know that I stole it from this place. >> Do you have any receipt for all the brand new stuff in your bag? >> No, I don't have a receipt for anything. I haven't got it from here. I didn't get it from anywhere. I got it from my friend's house. >> I just ran that. It says driver's license is not found in the state of Texas. >> On May the 25th, 2024, officers from the Peoria City Police Department were called to a Kroger after a woman tried to pull a fast one. She claimed the items she had were bought from another store. The scheme had already fallen apart by the time officers got to the store, but for reasons best known to her, she still seemed to think she could talk her way out of it. >> You're not >> So here's what's going on tonight. Right now you're just going to be detained so I'm going to make sure you are who you say you are. So until I can verify that you're not free to leave. Do you understand? >> I understand that. Yes. >> Okay. Do you have anything on you that can prove your photo? >> Absolutely not. >> have any uh any other stuff or merchandise on you at this time? >> I don't. No >> Is it okay if I search everything real quick? >> Of course. Of course. What do you What do you need? >> Okay. Set your stuff down. Real quick. I'm going to go on the computer and see what your name is. >> I have my name may be hyphenated. Uh okay. Um It It may be um H O G E H O. It should be you. >> H O G E H O? >> Yes. >> You spell out the last name for me? >> H O >> So you got nothing illegal on you? >> No. No I don't have a license here. No. >> How long have you been up here? >> Um I've been here for about a year and a half two years something like that. But I don't have a license here. >> Okay. Yeah. Just give me a minute. >> Okay. So what do you need from me? >> Down this way ma'am. >> You pay for all this stuff? >> Uh yeah. No that's just stuff that I had. Um I'm moving. I'm going to the center of um the prevention and >> Yeah. >> And all of my stuff that I was Like I've been slowly moving it to >> Uh perfect. >> there. Oh there goes my >> Okay. >> And there you go. >> I'm sorry. >> There's my iPhone in there. And I also have a pack of cigarettes and stuff in there. I don't have anything in here that can be pulled through. >> Okay. Perfect. Just don't dig through all of our stuff, all right? >> I'm sorry. Like I just bought it from a friend of mine's house like and I'm I'm not even done with >> You got a bottle of Maker's Mark from a friend? >> They are Well yeah. No I've had I've had that. >> Well >> You don't steal things like that like >> Well, just say the earbuds. That's all I needed. >> That's what those are for my kids. I have four of them. And I just >> And you paid for these, too? >> I paid for those two. >> You guys don't sell any of this, do you? >> No. >> Oh, you don't They don't sell any of this. >> No, they don't. >> I'm not asking you. I'm asking her. >> I'm sorry. They just don't. >> So, when you shoplift, it's kind of hard for everybody to believe you. That all of this is something you paid for. >> I could scan it. None of this is yours. I promise you it's not yours. I just >> You promised me that you were coming in here on us when you came in. So, I'm going to scan it to make sure that you >> hard to believe you paid for all of this. All of it's brand new. >> Go ahead. Go ahead. I don't I know that I didn't steal it from this place. I didn't steal it from any place. >> You didn't steal from this place, probably. >> No, I didn't steal from any place. >> I don't believe you because >> believe me? >> Anybody that's having issues with money that is stealing >> I don't have any of this stuff. Like, this is my social security number. Mhm. >> Good day. Security, obviously I can't use this. >> I've got What do you Why are you I need a size. Come out Come back out front, please. Like, none of this stuff came from here except what I paid for and what I It tried to steal, which is just headbands. And the only reason why I tried to steal the headbands is because every time I've gone to my best day, they told me that I needed to have earbuds in. And so, I apologize for that. >> Well, the good news is is all this stuff I only carry three on the shelf at a time. Can you go over to aisle 12, left side? There should be three on that. >> Yeah. >> Different. >> Usually, somebody that just steals one thing has been stealing them for a minute. >> I get what you're saying to me. I understand that, but I didn't I wasn't even in here long enough like to do anything. You weren't in here long enough. You weren't in here long enough. I've been watching you since you came in before. But, I understand that, but I'm telling you like I just Okay, I'm going to shut my mouth, okay? I'll just put them back. >> Why don't you carry an ID with you? >> Um I I lost it recently. >> You lost it recently? >> Um I like I said my my phone was um charged. I can show you my ID anyway. I can tell you everything on it. All of it. I'll follow you. >> So you can tell us your social security number? >> Yes. Absolutely. I can tell you everything. >> What you say? What else did you steal from? >> I didn't steal from anywhere. >> Well, how did you purchase it? I didn't see any money in here. >> Somehow in her supposedly genius mind, she thought her defense was still holding up. But in reality, the officers could already tell that something was wrong. She was acting shady and her mild resistance to letting them scan the merchandise had already raised a few eyebrows. >> This is not This is I went over to my friend's house today and I got my things part of my things part of my things. I'm at the prevention um of of the prevention >> So let me just tell you something. We're not stupid, so don't act like you are. Wait, I know you didn't I didn't I I know you didn't pay for this. You're stealing a pair of headphones from here that are $10. >> I understand that, but all I was doing was I went there I went there and got my things and then I came here. >> And you've been hitting stores on your way. This is no one No one comes here to steal one thing that has a whole bunch of brand new stuff in their bag. >> I'm just right there a block away. Like I said, that's the only reason why I came in here. I'm just right there at the prevention of the >> I got you. >> Do you know? >> Yeah, I'll send you to jail to be honest cuz you have no money and no way of paying for any of this. I don't see any cash. >> No, no I don't have any cash. No. >> So it's funny that you have a whole bunch of brand new even a bottle of liquor that your friend just is like, "Hey, take all this shit." >> It's not because this is my [ __ ] >> Oh, is it? >> Yeah. Like I just got out of a out of a really good relationship. Yes, it's my [ __ ] >> Well, >> Like my phone is >> You get out of a relationship, you should not come to other stores and commit crimes. You committed a crime. >> So there's no excuse for that. >> My phone's completely dead. >> All right, I got a charger for it. You said your ID's on it? >> My My charger's right here. >> You said your ID's on it? >> Yes, my ID's on it. Why are you You can't take my phone out. >> Oh, you're not showing us your ID. >> Wait, well, I need to plug it in somewhere. It's cuz it's dead. >> That's ours. >> That's not your I didn't get that from here. >> Uh-huh, they said you did. >> I didn't I Absolutely not. >> Well, all this stuff was stolen stuff from the store. So do you have a receipt for it? >> The what? My nail polish? >> Do you have a receipt for all the brand new stuff in your bag? >> No, I don't have a receipt for it because I didn't get it from here. I didn't get it from anywhere. I got it from my friend's house. I've had that >> Friend's house. So we're going to go by and ask her. >> You want to go by and ask her? So you want me to Let me go. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Here. What are you doing? I'm sorry. You want to You want >> We're trying to get your phone back. >> Why? Why? >> We're figuring everything out here. >> I'm not being asked like Am I being asked like Ow, you're hurting me. Don't hurt me, please. I'm What am I doing wrong? >> Well, you committed a crime, so there's one. Two is I'm betting your name's not coming back. She's probably a pretty good liar. >> No, no, we're going to stop talking about We're going to talk about the name, okay? >> Ashley >> You have nothing on you? >> Absolutely not. No. So tell me what's going on. >> Well, I told you already. >> Why No, I Okay. >> We're going to talk about your name, okay? >> All right, let's talk about my name. >> So her ID's on her phone. You want to plug that phone in your car? Oh, did you Hey. Come on. >> The officers already had her right where they wanted her, but she wasn't ready to drop the act. She believed that she was a few steps ahead because she had a series of backup plans for every possible scenario. >> What's your social security? Okay, unfortunately, that person has a different social security number. >> What the [ __ ] do you mean? >> Uh-huh. >> What do you mean? What do you mean? >> So, tell me who you really are. >> I'm telling you who I am. What do What do you mean? >> We're going to search your phone or you're going to show us your ID. >> Yeah, I will. I don't have my hands, but yes, I >> You don't have a what? >> I don't have my hands. Like >> You're going to tell me how to get to your ID. >> Okay. No, that's not fair because I I should have >> Oh, well, we can't do it. We can't sit you out as a Jane Doe. >> That's not me. That's not me at all. That's not me. >> I didn't say it was. I didn't say it was. >> What's happening right now? That's I know my name. >> Ashley Hoax here in Peoria. >> I know my name. I know my birthday. >> All right. So, we're going to give you one opportunity to show us this ID. What's your password? >> Um it's um I don't know what it's like to be like The check mark. >> Yeah, I don't have this kind of phone. I have no idea I'm doing everything in front of you, so you're seeing everything we're doing. Yes, she says her alias Ashley Hoaxsmith. >> No, that's not that lady is not me. Okay, look. >> You know it's a felony to lie about your name? >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Oh, alias social security number. Ashley, you're going to get a felony for lying about your name. >> No, I'm not lying. How am I lying about myself? >> Where is your ID? >> All right, okay, so swipe up. >> Swipe up? >> Swipe up or over over over. Go over and then you you see your picture. >> Photos? >> Yes, photo. And then okay. Um Now, on the photos that go to go to library. I don't know how to find me. Okay, go to the library and then go to Ashley Eastman home. I guess that's what you got to find. >> You got to search that? >> Yeah, you just search for >> How the hell do you search that? >> And through my hand I can show you. >> No. We're good. >> I am not lying about who I am. >> I'm letting >> What do you mean I'm not? What do you mean by that? I don't understand that. >> Ashley, you said Ashley? >> Ashley Ashley and it should be there's a picture of my ID like Let me see. >> Well, you got to give me time. >> you're looking at. There I am, right there. >> Okay, I got that. >> There's my ID. Now click on that. >> This? >> Click on it, yeah. No. You should be able to go down. >> Go down these or what? >> Is that picture of me? Only Okay, yes. Okay, go down. Go down. Go down. Like I need to see what you're doing. >> I'm trying, okay? >> Okay. Cuz I'm not lying about who I am. I'm not lying about that. I'm not lying about lying about who I am. I've been very honest with you. >> I know. God damn it. You admitted to a crime. What if you didn't do anything wrong? >> I'm so sick of hearing this >> What if you didn't do anything wrong? >> I didn't do anything wrong. Yes, you >> Why are you trying to tell me that? I'm telling you that I'm somebody I'm not and I'm I'm not doing that. >> It's funny that this other girl has your social security >> I don't know who she is. How is that my fault? >> Okay, I just ran this ID, okay? This Texas ID I just ran it right now. I punched in the number right here. You see that? >> What does it come up? >> Do you see it? >> Yes. >> I just ran that. It says driver's license not found in the state of Texas. >> There's no way like what is that my driver's license I was 18 are you serious? >> Yeah, I'm serious. >> Y'all are wrong dude y'all are wrong for this. I'm telling you take me to jail. Y'all are going to be wrong for this one. >> You want to go to jail for retail theft anyway I don't know why you're arguing. >> I you want to take me to jail just tell me I am not doing anything wrong besides I told you that I stole >> That's what you committed exactly you told us that you stole. >> I'm telling you I'm telling you I have not. >> Well guess what they'll fingerprint you there and they'll know you're 100% >> Yes I know that 100% and you're going to be wrong dude because I know I'm right dude I know who I am. >> In the end she was charged with retail theft. The last shoplifter was downright bad just like the next case where a confident shoplifter believed a blind argument would make the law turn a blind eye to her unsuccessful shoplifting scheme. >> I never walked out the door and I mean I walked out the door but I didn't walk out the door with nothing. >> have items that they had to take back from you before you walked out of the store? >> I didn't walk out the store. I left the buggy was sitting right there. >> Yeah you are you're going to jail you're under arrest for obstructing official business and theft without consent for $735. >> On December the 19th 2024 in Chillicothe, Ohio officers with the Chillicothe Police Department were dispatched to a Walmart after a theft in progress was reported. When one of the officers arrived he spotted two ladies matching the description that was given trying to leave the parking lot. The officers decided to engage them before they could get any further. >> I'm putting that on baby but I don't want him to he's not going to be able to blame me. And what he said you got a warrant? >> Right can you tell them to walk out to the middle of the parking lot and confirm if this is the right car. They can see my cruiser in front of it. They need to confirm that for me. I'm sorry guys. I mean if it's not you I do apologize. >> I didn't steal nothing. I don't have nothing. >> Then we didn't nobody had anything. He got anyway Thank you. And I'm I'm reporting him too. That's bull. That's bull. You're wrong. They're dead They're I'm making a report. That's bull. >> Well go back up to the front. >> That for what? And he said he don't even know that's the right car. >> Listen I have reasonable suspicion and he's given me a a description. Two black females in a white SUV. And he described your clothes. Black t-shirt pink pants. Listen I have reasonable suspicion for you to go back up there and for him to either identify you or say you're good. If you're good then you leave and it's done. And you can file a report if you wish. I'll give you my badge number and my name. >> It's not your fault though. >> I I understand that. >> And then if that man calls and he says he don't know I'm leaving. There's several black people in that store. He's wrong sir. And you know that. And then it just came across the radio. >> I don't know that for sure. >> And he goes to it came across >> What are we What's the problem? I'm just >> So there was a theft at Walmart and they're putting out a description of two black females in a white SUV. With the and they gave the clothing description of what she's wearing. So I need you to go up front and she they're either going to say that's her or that's not and then you guys are good to go. But I'm not trying to do anything extra at all but I have reasonable suspicion I have to do my job. Okay? >> Can I ask you this? What's your reasonable suspicion? >> Uh the the description they gave me in the white SUV. That's that's that's all I need. They said heavy set black female wearing a black t-shirt and pink pants in a white SUV. That's all I need to make you go up front. >> That's crazy. >> Okay so it's either that or I'm going to charge somebody with obstructing. Okay so I have reasonable suspicion. I'm not trying to escalate it. I don't I don't want to do all that, but can we please go up front and see? Okay, and that's it? You're good to go. Tell OP that I have this car coming back up front. Need him to come outside and either identify this individual or release them. >> If that's the case, this is bull. I'm not going back in that store. You come out here. >> Okay, I told him to come out. >> It ain't no god damn Walmart bag in this mother. He's wrong. >> We got to do disorderly conduct. >> He's wrong, sir. >> Okay, that's that's okay. I can have you leave, but you can't be cussing. There's kids in >> around. >> I'm down. >> And needless protest only raised more suspicion about her and her sister. However, the officers already had their own theory in mind, and before long, the situation began to take a far more serious turn. >> I understand you're frustrated, but >> I got the information when they originally called in. It should be an Angela Dawn Irene for a signal seven. >> What's your name? >> I'm not sure what vehicle you're with, but she does not have a vehicle registered in her name. I know Angela. >> Okay, well, this individual wants to >> my ID? >> That's it. >> My name's not Angela. >> This this is where we >> Both of them loaded to start with. >> They're wrong. >> Go ahead and step out. Turn the car off. >> I'm not getting out of that car. That's it. >> Get outside. We got to >> No, you're a liar. You are a liar and you're wrong. My name's not Angela. >> Turn around. Get out of the car cuz I told you to. >> What are you arresting me for though? >> Return behind the back. I'm going to turn you in just a second. Put your hands together. Let's not make a scene. You ain't got to do all that, okay? >> Yes, sir. >> Let's just be cool. >> Yes, sir. >> I'm sorry. I'm not trying to pinch you. >> Cuz I I don't understand what I was stopped for. >> Both of them? >> She loaded the car with her. >> I was told to go We're going shopping for We're going shopping for She said get the car. I went and got the car. I don't know if there's anything that's going on right now. >> the thing. It ain't nothing in this car. He said, "Angela." My name is not Angela. That's what she >> Stand at that door and don't move. You got anything on you? >> No, sir. You want to check my pockets? >> No. 581, are you available? You're clear. If you end up clearing up, you come over and assist with female searches. Turn around. >> Are you arresting me? For what? >> Obstructing official business. >> Obstructing >> Hang up the phone. >> They're arresting me for obstruction, Mom. I don't know what >> All right, turn your hand this way. >> I don't know. I It's Walmart. I don't know. Walmart and Hillcroft. I don't know. >> Bring your hand behind your back. >> me to come get the car, so I went to get the car. He said he wanted to get something for the girls and for the boys and everything. So he told me to come get the car. He told me what I was supposed to do. I went and got the car. I don't know. He came out to have anything. >> Right now you're being detained, okay? >> I'm being detained >> for obstructing official business. >> Okay. >> You behave yourself, I will discuss releasing you with the sergeant, okay? >> I will. I'm not doing anything. I did exactly what he told me to do. All right. >> All right. Let's take a walk. Go back to the car. Hold on. I'm going to ask you a couple questions, okay? But I got to read this to you before I ask any questions, okay? >> Okay. All right, okay? You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand your rights? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did you know she was taking something? >> No. >> Okay. >> Well, my my intentions when she said she she needed a ride, she doesn't have a car. So, we're supposed to be going shopping. Okay. She told me what to help her with the furniture or whatever. Okay. >> When she got in the car, did did she make you aware that she had just left LP? >> No, I didn't know until we >> Okay. Go and fix it. How old are you? >> What? >> How old are you? >> 25. >> Old enough. All right. Let's go inside and talk. >> There's another one inside that you were just dispatched for on site. >> Oh. >> Yeah, we have another one. >> Okay. >> We have one in the office and this was one that pushed out while we had that one in there, too. >> Okay. All right. Did you guys attempt to stop them? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> Yes, so I stopped them when you put the car first. >> Okay. >> Yeah, so Phil and I are on the cameras and then I was up here with him and I put him and Justin both on net cuz my store manager was like, "Something is wrong with these two." >> Can you start another unit over here? There's a another theft occurring there in the LP office. >> Okay. >> Um so >> Okay. >> You can get everything ready for me? >> Yeah, he put me on them cuz they were over here with this one. >> Okay. >> I'm at Justin. We watched her. >> Where's he going? >> He's getting a receipt. Justin's getting a receipt now. >> For that? For them? >> Yeah, them. Yeah. >> Okay. Is he going to be in their car? >> No, he's in the car. >> Oh, you got all their stuff? All right. >> They pushed it out the door. >> Okay. Well, one of you guys write me So, I'm going to go grab a statement. If you can write me >> The officer spoke with loss prevention and got the full story of what had happened. He learned the stolen merchandise had already been recovered after the two women forced their way out of the loss prevention office. Armed with that information, the officer approached them again, but this time it wasn't just a simple conversation. It was official police business. >> Can you sign the rights? Okay. So, with all that being said, it's honest hour. They're about to pull me all the footage. They're about to pull the receipt. What happened today? >> I'm going to tell you. So, when I I was really actually looking for my little sister, but she had already went to another store. So, when I walked out, I was standing there standing I didn't even make it out the door. So, when I came there, I was standing at the door and I was looking like, "Is she outside?" I walked over by Subway. I was standing there so then the white man jumped out and came right there by the door when he said, "Hey, sir, lost prevention." I said, "I'm looking for my little sister." I said, "You can hold my buggy. I'm going outside to find my little sister." And he said, "Okay." He stood there and he watched me. I never walked out the door. And I mean, I walked out the door, but I didn't walk out the door with nothing. >> Did you have items that they had to take back from you before you walked out the store? >> I didn't walk out the store. I left the the buggy was sitting right there. >> Okay. All right. >> So, I wait what might I was walking out the door with the buggy. You know what I'm saying? I was standing I was See that second door right there? That last door? I was standing right there. When the door opened, I looked out. Well, before I looked out, the man said, "Lost prevention." I said, "I'm not going anywhere, sir. I'm looking for my little sister." He said, "Okay." He still I see him do something on his phone. And I when I walked out this way, I was walking to the car. And I heard him on the phone, but I didn't know, you know what I mean? >> Okay. All right. >> He was like he said, "I can't He said, "I can't say you stole it cuz you didn't make it out the store, but I do still have to call the police." I said, "I wasn't going out the store." >> Okay. Well, put put your foot back in. I'm going to get figure out what they want to do and we'll go from there, okay? >> you, sweetie. >> Yep. So, uh they called one and and I when I was on the way here, another one took off on them. So, I don't think after talking to them, I think little sister I'm just going to cut her loose cuz she had really no idea what was going on. But, I think the older one who pushed out the door and went running from them on the charge structing and theft. >> Do you have their info? >> I do not. I don't have any of their stuff yet. I'll go grab it for you though. >> do that that way I can get the stuff typed. >> Yep. I'll go grab it for you. >> Thank you. >> Real slow you're going to spell me your full name. I'm going to run it real quick to make sure you're not me warrants. >> Angela Dawn, 57-year-old female at the Wellston. She's valid. >> What did you say your charges structing and theft. >> I've never smoked a cigarette but I feel like I could right now. >> Listen. Is this like an actual family member? >> Same DNA. >> Oh, okay. If she comes back and she can find you uh there's nothing I can do. >> 25-year-old suspect. First 25-year-old female at Wellston. She is valid. >> Okay. Let's go to the front of my car. I'm going to take the cuffs off of you. You'll be good to go, okay? Do you know uh go to the front and face my car, please. >> Sorry. >> Are you aware if she has anything on her? >> No. >> Do you know her to still use them? >> No. I've never seen her use and I didn't I was qualified to make a comment. >> Oh. >> Yeah. >> All right. I'm going Okay. Well, you're good to go. All right. So, I don't know. Maybe take her home. >> Yeah, I can take Um but where is So, what happens Where does she go? Like how does >> to go to the Ross County Jail. >> And they'll be like how do I don't know how this works like with bond and >> I would just call down to the jail and see what all they need. It's probably your best bet cuz me trying to explain it to you you're going to forget stuff anyway. So, just call down to the Ross County Jail and they'll explain it to you. >> Okay. >> Okay? >> Yeah. >> It'll be a little bit Yeah. >> Do you have the jail's number? >> I don't. Just Google it. >> Yeah, okay. >> Okay. The officer returned to the suspect, but somehow, despite the odds stacked against her, she still believed she could talk her way out of it with her wits. The same wits that had landed her in that mess in the first place. >> Please don't let her pull up If I'm going to jail, I need a phone number. I don't have no phone numbers, no nothing. >> Okay. Give me just a second. What number do you want? Hers? >> I need I need to tell I I need to tell her to call my cousin. I don't even know if If I'm going to jail? >> What cousin? Yeah, you are. You're going to jail. You're under arrest for obstructing official business and theft without consent for $735, something like that. >> What did I obstruct? >> You lied to me at the end of the parking lot. I said it wasn't you. >> I did not. >> It ma'am, it's >> Well, I said listen. Cuz it was It was another It It's another woman in there. >> Okay. Well, listen. That's That's for That's for court in the morning. >> Mhm. >> So, what numbers do you want? >> Um can you write them down for me so I can get them? >> I will do whatever you need me to. >> Get Tell her get my phone. >> I'm going to do one or two. I can't write down 30 numbers. >> I know you can't. I know you can't. Tell her to go Tell her to go to my mom's and tell her to write down. And um ask her if she's going to get me a >> it be okay if I just have her, cuz I think she's thinking about coming and getting you anyway. So, can I just get her number for you and she can relay them over the phone so we can get rolling? Cuz I know them cuffs are uncomfortable. >> They're very uncomfortable. Can you ask her if for sure if she's coming to get me? Can Can you bring her back here and tell her to tell her So I can I just want to know for sure. >> Give me just a second. >> Thank you, sir. I really appreciate it. >> I'll let you talk to her real quick. We got to hurry, though. I've had you I've had her in the car a pretty long time. I want to get her out. >> How do you >> How does it work? What is it? What is this charge? Does this make a difference? >> So, she'll have a hearing tomorrow morning. I would almost guarantee you'll be released tomorrow morning on an OR bond. That's usually how it works here. So, you would get an OR bond in the morning and give you another court date for an actual trial or if you choose to plea, that's all on you. That's not I don't care what you do, okay? That's your decision. So, however you do that down the road is fine, but tomorrow they should probably OR you out with a new court date and you'll be heard then, whatever date they set, probably after the holidays. >> Do you have a paper that I can write my phone number down? >> Yeah, that's what I was Yeah, that's what I was going to have you do anyway. >> I'm calling my phone to see if I can find >> I'm good. You don't want nothing on you, do you? Listen, listen, listen. Honest hour, if you go to the jail with something on you, it's a felony and I will charge you with it. >> Yes, sir. >> So, you don't have anything on you? Okay. >> No. >> Cuz I don't want to make my officer pull you out and do all the extra stuff. If you go to jail, it's going to be felony. >> I don't think I got nothing on me. >> Okay. >> Do you want to search me now? >> All my mindos back >> Okay. Do you want to get her out and check check her anyway? That's up to you. >> That's up to you. >> If Yeah, go ahead and get out and stretch your legs for a second. Okay, and who's that? >> That's our one of my husband's >> Carlos? >> He was doing this cuz I had that drug charge and I don't like that. >> No, come on. I've been so respectful with you. Come on now. I wouldn't do you. >> I said the thing when it came back, she said you've got a history of possession of crack >> I could care less about a history. You look fine to me. I don't think you're doing crack now. >> I'm not. I don't even smoke. >> I believe you, but I'm just saying that's not why you're being charged today. That had nothing to do with with any of this today. It's just just an overwhelming Uh yeah, that's fine. Go and grab it. >> What's your password? >> No, take it out. >> 0108 >> Okay. >> give me those numbers. >> Yeah. I got them both. I got them both and I'll have them write them down for you, okay? Hey, thank you. >> You got that paper with the numbers on it? >> Yep, and I'm going to give them to you right in front of you at the jail. You heard of Fat Trail? Man, he's fire. Uh-huh. He's super good. He just got He's got out of prison. He was really good before he went to prison. >> Eventually, she was charged with obstruction and theft. The last shoplifter was Davious, but the same couldn't be said about the next duo who were wondering somewhere between dumb and genius when they thought a well-framed text message was going to shield them from an inevitable arrest. >> Can I say something? >> Yes. >> All the text messages, they let me come in here. And they said, "Can you take anything out of here?" Yeah, huh? Look, I got the proof, baby. >> Cuz they're saying that you uh told them to come in here to gather some stuff and not pay for it and walk out. >> Well, that's fine. >> At this point, you're going to be under arrest. Okay, that's fine. >> Oh, sorry. No. >> On February the 4th, 2025, not long after sunset, officers responded to a call about retail theft at a local Walmart. At first, it sounded like another routine shoplifting case, but things quickly took a strange turn when the two aisle bandits started acting like they were playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. >> Do you have Do you have Do you have any receipts or anything? >> For now. >> Do you have any receipts? >> Mhm. I'm pulling up I'm pulling up my receipt messages because I've been working for these two for the longest. >> Oh, okay. We'll just hold for the search. >> Yep. >> I got the receipts. They don't have me here, too. You already know. >> All right. Well, at this point Well, at this point you guys are going to be detained on suspicion of We can't help that. Yep. >> Okay, we never walked out the door, so we know the rules. >> Well, you passed the last point of purchase. >> It wasn't the last point. We was at the first point. We know the rules. >> Okay, well, I'm not going to argue with you right now. I'm just going to read you your guys' rights. >> No, we're we're not arguing with you. >> You have the right to stop this interview at any time. Do you understand? >> No, but can I say something? >> Yes. >> All the text messages, they let me come in here and take anything out of here. Yeah, huh, look. I got the proof, baby. >> Do you understand what I said? >> No, I understand what you're saying, but I'm just letting you know I was able to come in here freely. So-called artists walk out of here, too. I've been coming in here for years. Yes, sir. You can run down, baby. This Look, no, I don't have nothing on me. >> Just have a seat. >> But push the messages. That's all they told me to come in here to get. >> So, if we look at the cameras, we're not going to see you guys stuffing your jackets with any merchandise? >> Oh, I have no jackets. That's not even our jacket. That's not our jacket. I don't know whose jacket that is. Go through all of them. And when they say I don't >> Okay. >> Yes, I am. Her name is Oh. I have nothing. I've been working with them for 2 And he just called me three times. And it's under because >> Okay. >> I have >> You have the footage. >> Okay. >> You have the footage. >> I didn't press the items. And when it say boss lady, never. It's the boss lady, of course. Yes, she's boss lady. That's Deborah. >> That's right, I am. >> And then if you go to my messages, I can tell you I can watch them by them for 2 years. You don't you don't have to grab me like that. You don't have to grab me like that. So, you're being arrested for no reason. You really don't have to fight me for I'm not fighting or hiding anything. So, you don't have to do all that. >> Okay, well, we're going to look at the footage and we'll determine from there. >> I'm not being aggressive. I'm not fighting. I'm not arguing. I know that. You can read the messages if you >> You don't have to grab me like that. Period. >> Yeah. >> Yep, I'm sure it is, but that's okay. You see what I'm talking about? Somehow they had a text that expressly claimed that they could take whatever they wanted and it almost felt genuine but the officers knew far better than to believe some weird text message. They never even scanned anyway. They they saw it more stuff in the car. And they never scanned any of it. So, yeah. What did they pay for? What's that? What did they pay for? No, you didn't pay for none of it. You saw all of it? No, well Are the cards out? the two cards. They went through the vestibule. They went to the self-scanner. They just went to the self-scanner and never scanned. Walked by. Did they go through the self-scan the self-checks because I didn't go I didn't go through I wasn't there. You have a receipt for the cards? I still have one. They work here. They work here. Them two work here. They work here. You know what? I will take whatever you have there. So Oh no, no, that's fine. You can scroll through all you want. It's fine. So it looks like they were in Davenport, too. And they got a hit there in Davenport for that. Almost Which person? Uh my name is Keisha. Keisha? What's your last name? Okay. Armed with the information that they had gathered, the officers soon started questioning the two women but this time separately to avoid the comfort and reinforced confidence of rehearsed answers. >> We're going to separate them cuz uh when we talked to them, we're going to ask one to come out here and go from there. What are you guys doing here? >> Um film. Like I was trying to explain while she was talking, I have nothing to lie about. They already know what's going on and everything. The crazy thing about it is they called us. We wouldn't have ever been in here. Her name is Deborah, but her name in my phone is boss lady. If you scroll through my phone, all that cat food and sorry, I'm not racist, but they call people food. So, it's like salami, beef, that's all her food. I don't know why she's playing dumb. The little The lady that just took the carts, >> Yeah. >> I know her, too. She's in my phone as well. Identify me as a cousin. Remember I said that's my cousin? >> Mhm. >> He's He's His name is Big Cuz. You just went to the phone. He just called me three times. I have no reason to lie. >> There you go. >> I wouldn't have never been in here until they called me to come in here. Uh they've been calling us and telling us to do this for the longest. So, like I told them, if I'm going down, y'all going down, too, cuz I would never been able to come in here without y'all's permission. >> Let me get this right. >> She Look right there. She moves people around for us. >> I just want to >> No, no. I'm not aggressive. I'm not aggressive at all. >> I'm not saying you are. I'm not saying you >> I'm not saying you are. >> So, you're saying that you guys called from who? >> And told us to come in and get the stuff that we got. And that whole stuff that we got. >> Yes, sir. And I have no reason to lie or I would have never been in here. Did they say anything? >> No, they don't ever make us do anything. >> And who is Joe? >> He's my phone. I heard too. I got stuff on my phone, too. >> So, they told you to come in, grab these items, >> Yeah. >> and there's not the same. Not even notify anyone. >> No one. >> And just to walk out. Is that what you're saying? >> Yeah, she moves people around for us. >> Okay. What does that mean? >> Move them around. She's the boss. She can move them around and to to go on break. >> So, we will walk out the door. Okay. >> I have no reason to lie. >> Huh? >> You seen it in my phone. >> Huh? >> I let you see my phone. >> I hear you. All right. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Like this stuff? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, what are you guys doing here? >> Um we got a call up and said that we we said that we were able to come in here and get a few things. Well, they needed a few things and we could also come in here and get some things for ourselves. >> Okay. This happened here before? It's about paying for this stuff? >> I mean, they just they just waved the doors, so we can go through and do what we need to. >> Okay. Just leave? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Without paying for stuff? >> I mean, some stuff we pay for, some stuff they just let us go through there. >> Okay. Does this happen often? Yeah? >> You showed me the messages. >> How How often or like >> You went through the phone, right? >> Yep. I saw it on the phone. >> Okay. >> Uh about that? Okay. So, when's the last time this happened? When's the last time? >> We got the phone call today. We just got a phone call today. >> Yep. But, I'm saying before this time, when was the last time it happened? >> Mhm. December. >> December? >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, would you say it's like once a month or a couple times a >> I don't know. I don't >> A couple times a month >> I don't know. >> How often did you two >> I don't >> Somehow the idea that they could walk out of the store unscathed still lingered in their twisted minds. But, the officers had other bold ideas. To get the full picture, the officers decided to investigate their claim before deciding what would happen next. >> So, I got Felicia person and her friend Emerald here. Uh >> The person. >> I saw that you called there and talked about what Felicia said to you. Okay. What were you telling them? >> It It was Felicia on the phone. She was going to change it. >> Yeah. >> Well, actually actually I was >> What? >> I was going to pay. It was expensive. And she said that if she was in the bathroom, I was like, "Okay." She was like, "You got to call cops." I was like, "Okay." You got to call back. >> Okay. All right, cuz they're saying that you called them to come in here to gather some stuff and not pay for it and walk out? >> Well, that's a lie. >> Okay. Okay. And then you're sending pictures that she was saying you were or you were sending her for the food items? Okay. Okay. No worries. I just I just wanted to verify cuz they were telling us that you you and Deborah are the ones who have told her to come in here, grab these items, and not pay for them. No, no. I I just saw that you haven't texted I I saw you haven't texted since At this point you're going to be under arrest. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Eventually, both women were charged with felony retail theft and trespass from the property. The loss prevention was deemed blameless after a keen internal investigation. As awful as the last shoplifter was, she had nothing on the next group of mischievous 18-year-olds who thought there would be no case against them without evidence. Only to learn the hard way that even petty crime always leaves a footprint behind. >> You never took anything. >> We went to other like we went to an Ulta, but we bought the stuff there and everything. They see me buy everything. >> Okay. >> I think at this point they're just going to check cameras to make sure that the everything's legit. >> All right. So, So than you putting that in your bra, what else did you take? All right. So other than that, nothing? Nothing at all? Like not like you're planning on going to start finding like random stuff everywhere? >> On April the 10th, 2025, officers responded to a call about three 18-year-olds accused of shoplifting. When they arrived, they were met by a soft-spoken young woman who didn't look like trouble at first glance, but sometimes the most unthinkable crimes usually begin from the most unexpected of places. >> I was going to buy a concealer and then I was opening to try my shade, which is on my hand, and then she was like, "What are you going to take?" And I'm like, "No, I'm not going to take it." So then she started assuming that I was like going to steal the stuff from Sephora. So then I went up to one of the workers from there and I gave her the concealer and I was like, "Look, like so you could know I'm not taking anything." And then I just left the store. >> Okay. Cuz she's like saying that you guys took like necklaces and makeup and >> No, we we didn't even get through like the actual pole. >> Yeah, we actually told her and she didn't say anything. >> Yeah. She didn't say anything. She said she was like, "Sorry about my coworker's actions." And I was like, "No, you just need to make sure that they're not making it like seem like we're trying to steal anything." >> Yeah. >> So that's why I I gave her like the concealer back and she took it back. You couldn't even go and ask her. I gave her the concealer and then it was like this spray sanitizer thing and I just gave it back to her. She took it back. >> So you never gave you never took anything? >> Oh, no. We went to other like we went to an Ulta, but we bought the stuff there and everything. They see me buy everything. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Do you want to say that or do you want to go talk to them? Okay. >> Can you stop digging your bag? >> She's looking for her phone. >> Okay. I don't want her digging in her bag. I don't know what's in the car. >> You can literally open the door if you want. I don't care. No, I'm just being honest. Like if you want to look >> I'm not going to go searching through your car, but I don't I don't >> I didn't say >> Okay. First of all, I'm not going to do the attitude. I'm not going to have her sitting here digging in her bag when I don't know what's in the car. Got it? >> telling you >> Great. Okay. And I'm telling you I'm telling you I don't care what she's looking for. I don't want her digging in her bag when I don't know what's in the car. So lose the attitude. Thank you. >> I'm just like feel like I'm being targeted, but if you want >> you being targeted? Because I asked her to stop digging through her bag? >> And I told you why she was digging through her bag. >> Okay, and I'm telling you I don't care because I don't know what's in the car. >> I apologize. I'm not giving attitude. It's just the fact that she's like, "Oh, hey." Like, you know, like I understand why. >> Okay, so I'm sorry. >> I just don't understand. >> Okay, nobody's targeting you. We got called here because you guys were allegedly doing something. That's why we're here. >> I'm sorry. >> No, we understand. We understand. >> Yeah, we understand. >> Did they tell you what's going on? >> I'm like really confused cuz we went to Sephora and I was getting stuff and I didn't even give me a little bag. And then after like the a girl like I seen that she was like walking around behind me. So then I went up to her and I was like, "Here, like I'm not going to take this just to make sure it cuz I feel like you're thinking that I'm going to steal it." So I gave it back to her. She was like, "Thank you so much for giving it back to me." And I was like, "Just tell your coworkers to not make it seem to customers that come in make it seem like they're stealing or something cuz they're not going to want to come back. And I gave her the concealer and the little spray back and she just said, "Thank you so much. I'll talk to my coworkers." And she just went back inside. And then we came to the car. So I'm like, "I'm confused." I'm like, "I don't know. I didn't take anything. I gave it back to her." It was a concealer and a little spray. >> Was it in Sephora or was it outside of Sephora? >> Sephora. Yeah, it was in Sephora. >> We left because we felt like we were just like >> Yeah, we just left cuz I was like getting It was like I mean Me as like a Mexican girl, she was a white girl. So I felt some type of way cuz she was just walking behind us all the time. And I was like, "Usually when I go to stores like nobody's like looking at what I'm doing." And I was like I told her I was like, "Here, like if you think I'm going to steal the concealer, here's the concealer and here's the spray." And I gave it to her in her hands. And she just walked back out. She was like, "Okay, thank you. I will talk to my coworkers about it." And I was like, "Okay." >> Okay. >> The young lady acted like she understood the assignment, but the officers had something up their sleeves that was about to test her story in real time. >> I think at this point they're just going to check cameras to make sure that the everything's legit. But appreciate you cooperating. I would have asked you guys if you're supposed to be in school. You look young. >> I mean she's supposed to be at work. I'm currently working too. >> So you're not in school? >> No, we just graduated recently. >> Can I talk to you? >> To me? >> Yeah, can you step out with your purse? So I just saw video surveillance. So do you want to tell me what you took? >> I didn't take anything. >> So here's the thing, like the holes they want to have something done to the people stealing. So >> How long am I going to be arrested? >> Um it just depends Is there anything in your pockets that belongs to Kohl's or any other brands or anything? Knife, weapons, anything? >> 4223 >> I just got my vape. >> Okay, perfect. >> Is this a little pouch you just had? It was a little >> Bro, get out of the way. I got to see this. >> Are there anything else in your clothes that I'm going to find right now once we >> I just got my vape and then I don't know where I got >> So no other purses are going to pop up? >> I think I just got like a couple things that my friend gave me. >> What else is in this front right pocket? >> I got my vape. >> The vape is right there. >> I got two beads. >> Okay. >> Is that yours or is that hers? >> That's mine. >> That didn't fall off of this? >> No, no. >> Then it's a part of this. All right, can you step outside and talk to you? >> Yes. >> All right. So, other than you putting that in your bra, what else did you take? >> That's >> All right, I'm going to search you. So, put your hands right here. Just put your wallet and phone down. Turn around. We'll pat you down. You don't have anything else? Correct? Okay. How did your friend get that? >> What? >> How did she get that when it was in your shirt? >> She got No, she got one. >> And you got the other one? Where'd you put the other one at? >> I'm going to be real with you. I'm being honest. >> Okay, and there's nothing else? >> There's nothing else. >> All right. >> I didn't take anything else. >> All right, put your hands behind your back. The watch is yours? >> Huh? >> The watch is yours? Yeah, you'll take your phone. Come to the back. All right, turn this way. All right, spread your feet. So, other than that, nothing? Nothing I'm not like not like your friend, we're not going to start finding like random stuff everywhere? Okay, no no finding random stuff, okay? >> I'm being real with you. I'm going to search you up here. >> Okay, can you step out? >> Yeah. >> All right. Um Pockets? The jewelry? >> I just have this one. >> Okay, anything else? >> No, that's it. >> Okay. All right, put your hands this way. Or lean up against the car. All right. Show me your feet. There's nothing sharp in your um hand and your pockets. All right. >> Wait, can I please sit on the passenger seat? >> So, you with retail theft, um they're sign told us signing complaints. >> Mhm. >> So, with that what we do is you go down to our station, get fingerprinted and photographed, and you get released on a once you get fingerprinted. >> Could I um come back for like my stuff? >> Or you were going to come back for your car? You were going to get banned from the store. Yeah. >> In the end, the three women were charged with retail theft and trespass from Kohl's. The next footage captures the wild moment a genius shoplifter decided to risk it all over a pair of socks without any proof of purchase. >> It's either on the receipt or it's not on the receipt. Is it on the receipt? >> It's not on my receipt. >> Because I watched you put it in your purse. >> So, you want me to pay for it? >> I don't know. You pay for it at the court. >> What you got? >> Stop lying. >> I didn't do nothing. >> Come on, stand up. And then, I'm talking to you with common sense. Like, let's just go back inside. Let's handle this cuz I already know. I'm just going to give you a ticket. >> On January the 16th, 2023, a woman in West Palm Beach, Florida, tried to outsmart the system at a Walmart over something as small as a pair of socks. But, she wasn't nearly as clever as she thought because store employees had already caught on to what she was doing and quietly called the cops before her plan could go any further. >> How you doing? You got to come back inside the store. >> For what? >> The socks that are in your purse. >> What you mean? >> You don't want to pay for the socks. Come back inside. >> I paid for the socks and everything. What you mean what I paid for? I came in your store with my >> So, just go back inside the store. The purse. Unless you want to Unless Unless the purse. >> I'm going to do a part of it. A a little part of it. Give me the purse. >> Bro. Don't start. Let go. Back up, man. Hey, stay right there. Unless you Unless you want to be a part of the stop, bro. >> Okay. >> So, did you steal the socks? >> But I took the socks up. The socks was already open. I said, "Okay, it's free socks. There's no tag on it." I'm standing at the register. The lady came back and she's like, "Go get another one." So, I I scanned it. I put it in my bag. I showed my >> You scanned You scanned these. >> I paid for >> So, these are This is going to be on your receipt that you just had? >> It's going to be on my receipt. I paid for it, too. You want me to pay for it again? >> No, if you already paid for it, let me get the receipt. No, no, no. There's There's only It's either on the receipt or it's not on the receipt. Is it on the receipt? >> It's not on my receipt. >> You guys I watched you put it in your purse. >> Okay, so you want me to pay for it? >> I don't know. You pay for it at the court. >> By admitting she has no proof of payment, her fate was no longer in her hands. But she wasn't a quitter. She still believed she could maneuver her way out of the mess that she had created. >> Ma'am. You're being stopped right now for shoplifting. Please hang up the phone, okay? Thank you. So, you opened up a single 65 at the Walmart. I have a female detained in the office. And you started another ordeal. Have a seat right here. Ma'am. Have a seat. Have a seat. We're going to be in the AP office. Um the boyfriend is outside knocking on the door. >> While she kept up her tantrum inside, her boyfriend was just outside the door. Once he heard her cries and screams, he thought that she was in danger. And just like that, the situation nose-dived from what might have been a simple trespass warning over a pair of socks into something much bigger. >> Get back. GET BACK. >> THE SCREAMING HAD COMPLETELY BACKFIRED, threatening to cost her far more than the worth of a simple pair of socks. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, the now self-styled knight in shining handcuffs, was starting to learn his own hard lesson. >> Well, what happened? Well, if you would've been honest >> I was being an idiot and listen to what I was telling you. >> No, you Oh, man, I'm sorry, bro. You didn't tell me nothing. I saw her and her crying. I was thinking she freaking out. I don't know what's going on. I'm hearing her crying. That's all I'm hearing. I want to know what's going on. >> that she stole some stuff. >> I didn't know she stole nothing. >> Okay. But I told you that she did. >> You didn't tell me that. You never told me that. >> I did. >> No, you didn't. >> Right here at this store. >> You didn't tell me that. You didn't tell me nothing. You said, "Give her back Give her back the purse." That's all you told me. I never knew she took anything, bro. >> Yes, but if you didn't sign I'm going to take you to the county. You're going to jail. Put your feet inside. >> I'll put your feet inside. >> Put your feet inside. >> I want to jail. You can tell my child. >> feet inside, sir. No, I don't. Put your feet inside. >> You can tell my child. >> Kevin, put your feet inside the car. >> my child. >> What you doing, man? >> Okay, could you do me at least one favor, please, bro? >> Put your feet inside, bro. >> Easy peasy, get my girl number. I thought she was going to jail. That's it. That's all I wanted to do. >> All right, put your feet in the car. I'm going to talk to you. >> All right, please, just talk to me, bro. >> His blind loyalty had already earned him a police record, but the night was far from over. The main mastermind knew that she was cornered, yet somehow she decided to try a trick she thought was foolproof, hoping it would help her dodge the consequences that she had coming. >> Britney, you got to stop crying. I can't hear you. >> I have nowhere to go. >> Okay, Britney, stop crying. Shut up. Answer the main question. >> What is your middle name? What is What is your last name? >> Please, please, please. >> Wait, we're not We're not calling. >> Cuz you got a lot of quick seconds that go into a purse and go into a car. Cut the bull out. Answer the main question. >> What is your last name? >> What is your last name? Shut your mouth. >> I didn't do nothing. >> Come on, stand up. Sit down. >> PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. >> COME ON, MAN. >> PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. >> NO, HOW ABOUT YOU ANSWER THE main question? >> I DID ANSWER IT. MY LAST NAME >> ANSWER IT. >> HEY, GET OUT OF HERE. HEY, SERIOUSLY. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. >> You know he got riled up because of the way you were acting initially. He was feeding into the way you were acting. Because when you went and you put the stuff in your purse, you did it in between the clothing rack over there, right? So, not necessarily he didn't see you do it, but he saw you leave with the stuff and then you came back without it. Okay? So, I I I've been dating people for a long time. I know you probably been dating him for a while, so I'm pretty sure that he knew that you stole the stuff. It's It's neither here nor there, right? But, however, you should have told him when I stopped you at the door and I told you, "Let's not do all this. Let's just go back inside, right? Because I've been doing this for a long time. So, when I stop you, I already know you have it. I'm not going to stop the wrong person. And then, I'm talking to you with common sense, like let's just go back inside. Let's handle this, cuz I already know I'm just going to give you a ticket. But again, that that So that situation with you all being homeless, I understand that. I was homeless too at one point when I was younger. But that still doesn't change the fact of how you carried on in the store today. That's what we're talking about. Yeah, uh he's he's going to put you in his car. >> A quick check later revealed that she already had outstanding warrants. In the end, she was arrested for shoplifting and given the chance to sort out her other legal issues while her knight in shining handcuffs was charged with resisting arrest, facing up to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine.