Oh, I'm so insane. I am so sweet. >> Why did you steal? >> Because I've been locked in my house for 9 years with a husband who controlled me. >> What does that have to do with you stealing stuff? >> I didn't have money or anything. >> I can't remember to spend a lot of time in jail. Mommy. Mommy. Shoplifterss are a major concern at every store. They no longer just conceal items or switch barcodes because now that selfch checkckout's available, they're also skip scanning. And while they think this new way of stealing is a whole lot easier, suddenly the cops show up and their skip scan theft gets busted at selfch checkout. >> Got to figure a way to get around it though. You can't come in here and steal it. >> I'm not trying to, bro. I really was. I was coming to get the food abandoned and I just see it. I was like, "I'm just sorry. I wasn't trying to sit here and do that today." >> On the 9th of January, 2025, the cops got a call from a Walmart in Washington, Illinois. According to security staff, there was a shoplifter there attempting retail theft. Once the officers got there, they were briefed by one of the employees on how the suspect had been operating. >> Better not put that. And you've pretty much got all ramen noodle packets essentially. Did he scan that? >> No, he didn't scan that. He's just scanning the cheap food. And so he's done like a shirt and some other >> So he's just scanning this cheap food right there. >> Yeah. So like that shampoo and that's not on here. All he has is oatmeal and the ramen noodles and like this car stereo thing. He didn't get obviously. I'm sure he's going to put that on it. >> Is he right here? This one? >> No, he's on. He's on the other side. >> Yeah. And like that tide he didn't get. Let's see what he does here. Oh, he's gonna take that back. Yeah. He had like a $200 Google thing in his cart, but I don't know where he ditched that. All these clothes. >> Not scanned. >> No. >> And he's got that big thing on the bottom, too. Some type of >> course don't scan and stuff. >> This guy had skip scanned a lot of expensive merchandise, but he only paid for the cheap items. Soon after, the cops spotted the man inside the store. When the suspect walked out, they surprised him at the exit. >> How's it going, man? >> Go to the office. Okay. >> We're going to figure out what's going on with the car. >> You can hold the receipt saying she'll go through everything. Okay. >> Did somebody start scanning though, dude? >> Well, I'm not going to get focused on you, bro. I'm not doing that. >> I know you won't cuz there's two. >> I'm not going to do that anyways. I'm just asking. Did somebody scan? Cuz I don't need no trouble, dude. >> Okay. >> You need no trouble. I'll take my deter. Why don't you just go ahead and put your hands on your back? Okay. >> I'm going put you in handcuffs for now. Okay. >> We're just going to detain you. Okay. You're not free to leave or go anywhere. All right. >> I know. Well, I was just saying. >> Well, we'll get to that point if that's the case. >> All right. Come on. >> Why? I have a job to do. Why are you going to do this like this for this? This is embarrassing. Well, I'm sorry, but I'm doing my job. >> He was demanding an explanation as to why he was being detained like that. The officer explained to him that he watched the man as he didn't scan the expensive items. It involved audio equipment worth a serious amount of money and other items that were also high value. They escorted the man into a staff room and began asking questions. >> Do you have ID on you? >> I do. Where at? >> In my back pocket, man. Listen, I >> Where's your back pocket? This one. >> Thank you, man. I forgot the speaker on the bottom, dude. Jesus Christ. I swear my kids I did, dude. >> I don't need any more trouble, dude. I've got a couple I'm in a little bit of trouble. I got to borrow, dude. Like, I swear to God, I did, dude. >> Okay, >> listen. You're getting ahead of yourself. Just calm down, dude. Because I didn't mean to. I know. >> Just calm down. We're going to go through all the stuff in the cart and we're going to figure out what's going on. >> I didn't mean to. >> So, at this point, you're not free to leave. You understand? >> I mean, this I'm under arrest, >> Josh. Well, let's figure it out. >> No, I >> You're detained. Okay. I haven't said you're under arrest yet. But before we ask any questions, my duty vise your rights. You have the right to remain silent. >> Listen, listen. Speak first, please. >> Okay, >> you control this. I'll I'll >> No, I'm not being a dude. I'm just trying to explain myself to you, dude, cuz I'm not trying to do this no more, dude. >> I'm not here for that today, dude. I honestly forgot about the speaker. I wasn't even going to grab the speaker, bro. I wasn't going to grab that speaker. I was going to put it back. That's why I put the radar detector back. That's why I gave her another item back. I I was not trying to take the speaker, dude. and and the radio, dude. The lady that was sitting up there watching, dude, she was making me nervous. I just was literally getting ahead of myself. I swear my kids, I'm not lying to you, dude. That's a 25 or $34 radio, dude. I don't need to take a $34 radio, dude. I'm just I don't need trouble like this, dude. Like, I I go to rehab mom one, dude, at 9:00 a.m., dude. Like, I'm just trying to do whatever I can to get myself together, dude. I swear to my kids, I'm not lying. I got a baby on the way. Like, literally could be a day, could be long, could be the next day. Like, I didn't need you, dude. probably out of panic, he accidentally hinted to them that he used to steal in the past. He had a lot of excuses and even brought up his son. But instead of buying his excuses as far as the cop went, he was going to let the surveillance footage speak for itself. >> So the camera's going to show differently. >> Yes. >> So how much of that stuff had he not paid for in that car other than the radio? How about the bag of clothes that I told you? That's the only thing I didn't [music] think was I didn't know what to scan. I told you that. >> Well, you were there. >> Scanning items. I know. You know what? Went off. Sometimes it goes off and it says invalid item. What? Whatever. [music] I'm not lying to you, dude. I didn't mean to, dude. >> So, so all this stuff isn't paid for. You understand that? >> What is it? >> All the stuff that she's stacking up. >> Do you see the cameras? >> The cameras aren't going to work. >> You make the decision whether you go to jail today or not. You understand that? You have a history of this. You have a criminal history. So, you know how this works. >> So, so if you want to be honest, cool. But if you don't want to be, then you can just I can listen to you jabber the whole way down the jail. It's not a big deal to me. Do you get that? I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. Did you come here today, Josh, and intent to steal this stuff? >> No. [music] >> During your shopping tire, did you think I'm going to steal some stuff? >> Did you come here with enough money to purchase all this? >> Yes, >> you did. Then why did we not purchase the items that she's stacking up over here? >> Why did you bypass [music] scanning these items in your shopping cart? I'm telling you the ones I told you I didn't mean to was an honest mistake. [music] I really >> All of this is an honest mistake. Listen to me, dude. Like not all. >> The suspect here, Josh, tried to excuse what he'd done unsuccessfully. He'd already admitted to the cops that he had a problem with shoplifting and also that he'd been through rehab. That being said, he also came up with a wholesome sounding intention for why he'd gone to the store in the first place. >> I was really just going to get some food from while I was in Washington with my lady. My friend girlfriend's at the hotel that we're staying at. She wanted grapes. She wanted some Kool-Aid. She wanted uh whatever else I got. Dude, I got ramen noodles in the airport. I got mac and cheese. I got the shredded chicken in there to make chicken tacos tonight, dude. Okay. >> I'm not lying to you. I didn't get none of that. >> Did I say you're lying? No. Not once. If I said you're lying. >> As I was passing the clothes, I realized that I was going to head tomorrow. And what I'm wearing is I've been wearing for 4 days now, dude. I needed clothes. So, I grabbed a few clothes. >> I was going to pay for the clothes, man. >> I would have paid for the clothes. >> So, at what point did you realize you can't afford this stuff and then you were going to steal? It's not that I couldn't afford this stuff, dude. It's just >> cuz you put some things back. I watched you. You took Why didn't we put this stuff back? >> That's why I'm trying. I didn't I forgot the speaker was down there. I really honestly [ __ ] speaker down there, dude. >> Forget the speaker, >> right? >> Well, look at the other stuff. Look at the other stuff. >> The flowers I got from my girlfriend, dude, because >> I was here 2 minutes watch you scan ramen and stuff and then you sacked all the clothes without even paying for them. >> I didn't mean to. >> How do you How can you explain that one? Times are tough. You got to figure a way to get around it though. You can't come in here and steal them. >> I'm not trying to go. I really was. I was coming to get the food man and him. I just I didn't see anything, dude. I was like, I'm sorry, bro. I wasn't trying to sit here and do that today, dude. >> Josh told the officers that he hadn't scanned the speaker because it was buried under the other purchases, but that excuse didn't work on the cops. He then tried something different, trying to win the cops sympathy by talking about his girlfriend's condition. Shortly after, he slipped into self-pity. >> My girlfriend is literally laying in bed, like moaning, grown, like rolling up. She can't even hardly move. Dude, I'm not going to owe myself, dude. I'm not lying to you, dude. Like, I'm I'm over this, man. Is over to me, dude. I don't ever want to sit like this. >> Well, that's where you need to take it into your own hands, man. That's where you need to just >> All right. This isn't going to hold you up. [snorts] >> As long as it's not over 300. >> I'm just sick, bro. >> I'm not going to take you to jail, man. Okay. >> Sick, bro. Well, and you need to get the dude. >> 276, bro. >> Yeah. >> I did not know it was going to be like that. >> Josh realized already that the cops were not going to soften up on him and let him go. Finally, he stopped begging them, and at that point, he talked a little more openly about his problems. Sincerely, he had a serious issue that had pushed him towards shoplifting once again. >> Have you been to rehab before? >> Yeah. >> You have one time, man. I had a year and a half clean after that. >> How'd you get back into it? >> Idiot, man. People, dude, >> bunch of lesson. >> I'm going to jail now, huh? >> You are going to jail. Yep. >> Oh, dude. >> Well, now you got possession control, >> dude. It's over with tomorrow, dude. >> Put your hands behind you back. >> Oh, man. Dude, it's over with now, dude. Man, bro, it's over with tomorrow, dude. >> I don't know, dude. I'll show you when we get out there, I guess. >> Okay. >> But is that a class 4 felony? Which one? >> Are they both under control? >> Yes. And the retail since you have the priority that also it's also a felony. >> Depends how many you've been convicted of. Okay. >> I haven't been to >> Okay. Have a seat. All right. >> This my life, dude. During their search, the cops found Xanax on Josh, also known as alprazilam, which is a schedule 4 controlled substance, and he didn't have a valid prescription. As a result, he got a felony charge for possession of a controlled substance. On top of that, because he knowingly exited the store with over $250 worth of merchandise, he was also charged with misdemeanor retail theft. On May 13th, 2025, after getting a report that an employee was stealing, the cops responded to a pilot travel center. When the officers got there, they talked to security staff and they were informed about the theft and its incredibly huge scale. >> Uh the call was kind of vague. Um this has been for a little while. Yes. >> Okay. Um >> right now we're a little over 6,000. >> Okay. And you have like all the receipts and everything for that or >> Well, it's all on >> tell you want to get in there. >> Okay. >> Shortly after the cops were led to the surveillance room and another employee explained what had happened. Allegedly, one of their colleagues was stealing money from the selfch checkout. >> This is what we got on a we've got video. >> Okay. Um on a daily basis, um the deposit should have been $947. >> It was $851. This one here should have been 175. It was 76. And this is coming out of what we call the SCOS, which is our selfch checkouts. Uh, and it goes on. So, that caused us a shortage of $21. Now, $1 just because that could be coin, you know. So, $200 difference. So, we went to the video um and said, "Okay, well, what happens to $200?" The employees there had already reviewed surveillance footage trying to figure why and how the money had gone missing. In the videos, they saw one of their female colleagues carrying out the scam. The woman's name was Lauren, and she was already in the room with them. So, the cops gave her a chance to explain what she had done. >> Um, and if you would like, you tell her from there, or I can tell her. [cough] Um, I had taken money out of >> I'm sorry. Can't I You're soft spoken. I can't hear you. >> I said I had taken money out of >> You took money out of the the ghost. >> Okay. >> Thankfully, she was honest with the cops and soon after Detective Coats arrived on scene. The security staff told him how much money she'd stolen and the detective remained alone with the woman and started questioning her. So, I'm going allow you to kind of explain to me kind of what happened before I had to look at the video myself. >> I honestly I just I get child support taken out every week out of my check and it takes like probably about over half of my check every week. I should be getting anywhere from 4 to 500 every week and I'm getting not even two half the time. So, it's just like I'm trying to keep up on my rent every month, which is over $1,000. My car insurance is over 200. Same with my um my storage unit's almost 200 and my phone is 100 plus gas in my car. >> It's like over $100. >> So So you're not You're just bills are >> It's I way over over what you make, >> right? >> Is this your only job? >> Yes. >> How long have you been employed here? >> I've been here for over a year. >> Over a year. How much do you make an hour here? Uh, I think right now it's at 1580 something. >> But like I said, with the child support is just takes a huge chunk out. Takes almost $300. I'm not checking. >> How many kids are you paying child support on? >> Two. And this is to the that father. >> Uh, no. It's to the deceased father's mother. [laughter] >> I'm not sure how that works. >> They had she has temporary guardianship. My kids. I just haven't been able to get them back and I have been paying for it since and struck me since. >> She admitted to Detective Coats that she wasn't registered in any support system, but said she'd only been helped by her mother, her brother, and some friends. She then explained how she started her scheme. >> Honestly, it unraveled when I took on a place by myself in the beginning of the year. Um, >> so January. Yeah, it was between January and February and it was just a thousand come up with myself and help. So, it was just like really preparing. So, I had made some poor choices to try to stay afloat. >> When when do you think you you start when do you think these poor choices started? >> I want to say it was around either January or February. I'm not exactly sure. >> Okay. So, this has been going back back to January. It hasn't been long. But >> h how how many how much money were you getting, do you think, a week? >> I honestly don't know cuz whenever I would have enough for any of my bills, I'd set it aside until it was time to pay it. Paid my bills. >> Now, were you paying your bills cash or were you putting this into a bank account? >> Um, cash for most of it. Um, >> what type of bills are we child support? Is that the main thing? That's the main one that gets deducted out of my check. Um, aside from whatever loans I get, but other than that, that's the only thing I get deducted out of that. >> Mhm. >> She'd been operating the scheme for 4 months now, starting in January till the middle of May. Next up, the officer asked the woman the total amount she'd stolen, so she made her guess. >> I don't know. I've been able to have my rent paid for a couple months. >> And that's You don't normally get your rent paid? Not that not as to where I have it each month because I would pay at the end of month. >> Just give me an honest ball part. >> I honestly don't know. It would be a couple I think a week it would be like maybe couple hundred. It all depends. I just would put it aside. >> So I had to pay something. >> Would you would you consider these estimates somewhat fair or what do you think about these numbers? Cuz they're saying that's 100 here, 100 there, 250 here. Does that look right? Do you or do you think >> it might? I honestly don't know too. >> Now, did someone else put you on this? Did this you come up with this idea yourself? >> No. >> Just seen it and I was like, well, yeah. And it's college, a national company. They won't go broke. >> No, just I wasn't thinking of anybody else. Just trying to survive. >> Once the detective wrapped up his conversation, the security staff came back into the room. They showed the officer the surveillance footage, which showed exactly how she'd carried out her modus operandi. >> I think it's this one here. She is not doing a shift break at this time. She just walks over, opens the door, takes the money. Now, in a minute, she'll come back and do it to the other two. >> There's no reason, unless she's doing a shift break, for them to ever go in there, >> and that's just a key. >> We're gonna fix that. This is the third store nationwide that this has happened at. [music] So, we going to fix our process. But in the meantime, you know, >> after watching the footage, they understood the full picture and escorted Lauren outside. Ironically, despite the woman's story that she'd been stealing from the selfch checkckouts because she couldn't pay her bills, she then pulled her iPhone out from her Range Rover. >> It's all right. I got to do what I got to do. You know, >> you tell me. I'm like, I'm going to roll up [laughter] in there. I'm not going to wait. >> Yeah. >> You know me. I can't. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. >> Um, and then do you need to roll the swindle up in case it rains? >> Yeah, the car. >> They placed the woman in the squad car and she was taken to jail. They charged the woman with fraud and she also got a charge of swindling property under $20,000. On the 9th of August 2025 in Flaggler County, Florida, the cops got a call from a local Target. Allegedly, a woman there had been caught at the selfch checkout swapping expensive price tags for cheaper ones. When the officers got there, they found the suspect in the staff room and began to question her. >> Okay. So, what is going on tonight? >> Honestly, it goes a long way. >> Going through a divorce. Don't have anyone to know. >> Okay. So, they have obviously they have camera footage of everything. >> I have been living in a house with no water. >> Okay. >> Nothing. >> All right. Do you still have this on you? >> No, I don't have that on me. >> No. >> No. Okay. >> So, they have you on on on camera swapping tags, >> price tags >> and stuff like that. Okay. So, the total amount that you should have paid was over $200 >> roughly. >> $200. >> Yeah. For what? >> This what they're scamming you right now is at $189. What you >> What? >> Well, just alone that Lego set was almost $100. >> Oh my god. >> Okay. And then my plus the other other clothing and stuff. One of the one of the pants was like 2530 bucks and you put a new tag on it. >> How were you putting the tags on on that? >> I didn't put those tags on that. They were hanging in the clearance aisle. >> Okay. >> I got them. Yeah. >> You didn't take any of the tags off the pants. >> I don't know. >> What tags did you in the clearance aisle the whole time? >> What tags did you swap them? >> Just the um sticky ones. >> Okay. How many items did you swap? >> Um a folder. The Lego set. It's holding that. The folder, the Lego set, and nothing. And then a bag didn't have a tag. >> The suspect, a 39-year-old named Carla Nishakura, told the cops she was on probation for another alleged theft. Soon after, the cops got security footage, and the woman was clearly seen peeling price tags off several cheap items and then sticking them on more expensive merchandise. The woman's shoplifting spree continued in the clothing department. The surveillance footage showed her clearly removing tags from items on the clearance rack, then picking up other items and then heading toward the register. Finally, the cameras filmed the woman operating at the selfch checkckout. Her items already had the wrong tags, and she calmly scanned the items while accompanied by her young child. What Carla didn't notice though was that her behavior had already raised suspicion among several employees. The Target employees had already uncovered the scam she was carrying out. In addition, they knew exactly how to handle it. She was heading right toward the exit with her stolen merchandise, but the employees tried to surprise her right as she tried to leave. After switching the price tags, she'd only scanned five of her 12 items, and the cops found out she'd spent just over $19. In total, the merchandise in her cart was worth over $200. Shortly after, Carla's father showed up to take care of her son. >> So, just so you understand what's going on, they they might not have pursued charges, but she's done this multiple times in this store. >> In this store? >> Yes. >> I don't understand. I gave her money to go get sleep aids and tea. I'm like, go to Dollar General. She's been doing this repair. >> It has nothing to do with your soda, buddy. Okay. But and grandpa will explain everything to you. Okay. I already kind of gave him a speech on mom made a mistake, but she knew it was wrong. But um yeah, they they they just haven't caught her until today. She's ripping um she's switching tag prices on stuff and and you know >> where you get this from. I left Dollar General two weeks ago with a 12-pack of water and forgot all about it. So I went all the way back and I forgot to pay for this and ladies looking at me like >> I did it too for plastic utensils. [laughter] >> I don't know where you're at. >> Um but you're good to go to take him. All right. I'm not considered over tomorrow. I'll leave something earlier. >> Um, >> she could bond out tonight if you wanted to bond her out, but that's up to you. >> After talking to Carla's father and finding out he'd given her money, the cops went back to question Carla once more. They asked the woman why she'd been stealing despite the fact she'd had support from her family. She gave an interesting answer that involved her husband. >> They gave me $28 and then I just came here to see if they have my mom's sleep aids here. Why did you steal? >> Because I've been locked in my house for 9 years with a husband who controlled me. >> What does that have to do with you stealing stuff? >> To have money or anything. >> What does that have to do with you stealing stuff and setting a terrible example for your son? >> Ma'am, you don't have to tell me how to be a mother. I understand. >> I'm not telling you how to be a mother. I said you're setting a bad example. >> Okay. I understand >> multiple times. >> Yes, you're right. You're 100% right. >> Thank you for admitting it. As far as the female officer went, she wasn't indifferent to Carla's situation. While the two were left alone for a while, the officer talked to her openly and honestly. While what she said to Carla was hard for her to hear, she seemed deeply affected emotionally. >> I hope you didn't tell your son that you forgot to pay for it. >> I didn't tell him that. >> Okay, cuz I already told him. I said, "You made a mistake and you made a bad decision." >> Hold that thought. I told him that you made a mistake and you made a bad decision and that you knew what you did was wrong. And you're really giving your husband, I don't know what's going on with your divorce. You said you were going through a divorce. You're giving him ammunition against you to get possibly get your kids taken away from you. And your dad just said that you just got released for this. So the judge >> I did I just got released because I tapped a car and they violated me. >> Okay. Well, you're on probation and they guarantee you that the judge is probably going to violate you and now you're stuck in jail >> and all because you wanted some extra stuff. I don't know. Your your parents are helping you out. You didn't have a need to steal anything. >> My parents doing my mom has cancer. My dad barely has anything. >> So, you needed a popsocket. >> I didn't take a popsocket. >> Carla tried to explain to the officer that she hadn't removed the price tags in order to steal, but the officer didn't buy it as it was obviously a lie. Therefore, the cops did what they had to do regarding Carla. >> All right. I need you to stand up and face away from your better. Put your hand together. 223. 234 has a whiskey shot type of team. Have a seat while we check your purse. >> We got more money in here. >> Later on, inside the woman's purse, they found the popsockets that Carla had denied stealing. She was taken off to jail. And once again, they charged the woman with petty theft. According to court records, she later pled no contest and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and also had to pay fines. On the 27th of January 2025, the cops got a call from an Aldi store in Lennox, Illinois. The staff had noticed a familiar shoplifter pushing a cart full of groceries through the selfch checkckout. Based on how the suspect used the register, the employees had a hunch there was a crime going on. When the officers got there, they escorted the suspect out. >> What happened today? >> I don't I I really don't have an answer. I'm positively sure that I took stuff from Aldi. >> Okay. >> Positively sure. >> Okay. >> I was I'm trying to hurry. >> Mhm. >> I don't have excuses. I take care of my mother. She fell. She broke her wrist. D and I scooted out >> and I did. So, I did steal. >> Okay. Where did you come from before? Before you you were at Aldi. Where were you coming from? >> I came from the restaurant. >> From the restaurant. And that's the one off of Lairway. >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. Today, what kind of items did you grab? >> Well, I know that I had a box of bananas down below. >> Okay. >> I'm positive I did not pay for those. I don't even remember taking those up. >> Okay. What other items did you did you grab today? >> Um, I had some other things. Some of those things I scanned, some of them I did not. >> Okay. According to security staff, out of all the items in the suspect's cart, she'd only scanned a few. Most of the merchandise was buried underneath, and she tried to leave the store without scanning them. >> What kind of items are we talking about? >> Strawberries. >> Okay. >> We had some um raspberries. >> Okay. >> And some blackberries. >> I'm pretty sure those did not get scanned. >> Okay. All right. Um so, talking about that, did you miss the scanning? Did you just >> No, I didn't miss the scanning. I was in a hurry and I just blew by it. >> Okay. Did you you So, did [snorts] you >> And I realized it when I got back to the store that we blew by that and then someone called, but honestly, if you want to be real honest, I'm sure it's not the first time. >> Okay. And what do you mean by that? Like what's another instance that you >> just, you know, you're you're going through and you're just self-checking. And >> is there a specific incident that you're thinking of? No, I'm just saying they said I was there twice today. I was there once, but I'm not going to deny that I didn't take some stuff. I did. >> Okay. And what >> is there a way that I can go back? >> Well, so we'll talk about that in a in a minute. But, uh, what do you like? So, what do you do with the product? >> It goes back to the restaurant. >> It goes back to the restaurant. That's what you you buy all of your stuff at Aldi for usually for >> No, not all. No. >> Okay. But majority of the stuff that you do have >> some of it some of it is purchased at Aldi. >> Okay. >> Some of it's used. Is it use force? All of its use for the store or is it just some of it's personal? Some of it >> No, none of it's personal. >> Okay, gotcha. All right. >> As things turned out, it wasn't her first time stealing. The cops were told by one of the Audi managers that she was a previous suspect in another theft. That being said, the officer started to ask her about it. >> So, I really quickly want to ask you about what happened yesterday. Did you visit Aldi yesterday on the 26th? >> Yes. >> In the morning. >> Sunday. Probably the same thing >> in the morning. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yes. Um, do you what kind of items did you purchase on Sunday? >> Usually I go there for bread. >> Okay. >> Just just a certain loaf. Cinnamon raisin bread. >> Mhm. >> Chocolate chip bread. >> Okay. >> Um, >> again, these are items that you use at the store, right? >> Yes. Maybe >> cucumber. I I'm really not going to give you the lowdown on Sunday cuz it was just a show at the restaurant. But yes, I was there. >> Okay. >> Did I do the same thing? Most likely. >> So, is there I mean, >> do I have a reason? Honestly, I don't. This is just pure embarrassment. >> Okay. I mean, I I appreciate you being honest. You know, I know I know that this is >> I'm just completely humiliated. I some place I go and >> listen, we we we deal with a lot of people and sometimes it's good people that that make bad decisions, you know, >> and I made some bad decisions. >> Absolutely. You know, and and the nice thing is is that we have the opportunity to take responsibility for for those those actions and um you know, be honest. Like I said, I appreciate you being honest with me about, you know, >> I'm trying to be honest. I honestly don't remember everything. I scan things, so do I scan it all? Probably not. >> Obviously, the suspect was a serial shoplifter. When they asked the woman what her motive was, she mentioned a couple of times that her business wasn't doing well. The officer talked to her further about it, trying to find out if there was any real reason she'd have to steal. >> And is there any particular reason for those those those things? >> I don't have one. >> Okay. >> The restaurant struggles. I'm not going to lie. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um it's [clears throat] >> sure I mean it's it's a tough business. >> I'm under construction on layway and >> so I don't have a whole lot of answers cuz I'm just a little >> I feel right now. I can't >> tell you how I feel. >> What's that? >> So I don't know what else to say, but yeah. >> Like I said, I appreciate you being honest with me. Um >> I'm trying to be as honest as I can. I don't know what was in that card. I just got to be real honest. >> I can see it in your eyes. Yeah, for sure. I I can tell you no idea. You told me to come in. I was like, "Oh, let me just go take this all back to the store and fix it." >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. >> Um, so what was the plan after you left for today to just bring it back? >> When I realized as I'm kind of like the phone call came, I'm like, I'm going to get arrested. That's what's happening. >> Gotcha. >> Between her stealing that day and the woman's other attempt before, the cops had a hunch that it was only the tip of the iceberg. When it comes to shoplifting, sometimes people are addicted to it. So, the cops wanted to find out if she was addicted to stealing. >> This whole thing is not the end of the world. All right. >> Oh, >> it's it's not. It's definitely not. Have you done this before? No. >> Yes. Have you made a mistake? Yes. The only thing that we're trying to figure out is >> how much I owe them. >> No. No. No. No. No. How many times have you done this before? And are you doing it knowingly? Cuz like you said today and yesterday. Yeah. You said knowingly. Obviously, you're not taking everything. >> Oh, no. I I have receipts and >> I I completely understand the reason she's asking me these questions is just cuz we're just trying to figure out it's going to sound bad. How consistently you are doing this. Has this been going on for some time or has this just started recently? >> No, it hasn't been going on a long time. No, I'll shut up and listen. >> Say what you're going to say. You're good. >> No, I just want to fix it. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> I really do. I want to fix it. What? Whatever. I mean, it's got to go back cuz it's bananas and how do you know what a box of bananas is? How do you know? Somehow it's got to get weighed. I I know I made a mistake, though. >> I understand that. And in regards to trying to bring it back and all this other stuff, I don't know their policy with returning produce and food and whatnot. So, that might just be a little >> I don't want to return it, but I want to pay for it. >> I understand. Unfortunately, that might also be out of the question. >> While stealing more than $146 worth of merchandise, the suspect here paid only $22.64. In the end, she was taken into custody and she was charged with two separate counts of misdemeanor retail theft. On February 3rd, 2025 at around 300 p.m. in Palm Coast, Florida, a deputy responded to a Target store due to a shoplifting incident. When the officer got there, they first talked to a Target employee as they caught the suspect during the attempted theft. She was pretty cooperative when I first stopped her. I thought she had a lot less than she did in her purse. >> So, um, typically for us, it's the first time I've seen her stealing anything over $100. So, that's where we're at now. It' be like 15, 120, something like that. >> Okay. >> Um, so she might freak out a little bit just coming, but she >> Yeah. Yeah, she's getting everything. Okay. So some of the stuff like this, these jeans and like this plastic thing, she changed the barcode on it. All these small things were literally inside of reverse. >> The employee gave a description of the suspect and he also told the officer that her name was Kimberly. Based on the information he collected, the total amount of merchandise she tried to steal was $115. Shortly after, the officer met the crying suspect in the staff room. >> Change please. >> Have you ever been arrested? >> It's been a while. >> What about the shop? >> Never. Please. Please, guys. >> So, listen. This is way more than just a couple things that I thought. >> Praise God. >> This is How much you think this is? >> I don't know. >> I'll pay for it. I'll leave it. Please don't. >> Can I tell you to start something this machine and I'm better than this? >> And I this look this look this look my mom. She did not raise me this way. I am a machine. Let me let me just pay for it. I'll never again. Please. Please. Like, I'm so ashamed. This is not me. I won't do it. I will never come back in here. Please, please, please. I so royally. I swear. Please. I will never do this again. Please just give me one chance to never do come back in here again. Um, >> please God. >> You had like 30 chances. >> I'm sorry. >> All those registers out there, those are the chances. I >> understand. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. >> Listen. I don't think you're some kind of hardened criminal. This is This is Let me >> This is over $100. >> Let me get you $100 and I don't I don't want to take all my stuff. Please, >> God, help. Please, for the love of God, >> when I can't please. >> That's why I recommend you just take a seat. >> No. Please, please, please. I understand that. >> The employee assured the very emotional suspect that Target wanted to press charges. In addition, they were also going to trespass her. After a while, the employee stepped aside and let the officer question her. >> What's going on today? >> What What happened? [gasps] [sighs] [snorts] >> I made a huge mistake. >> Okay. >> Oh, no. This is not pro. I'm ashamed. My mom raised me this way. This is going to kill her, sir. This is going to kill her. >> Okay. So, [music] what what did you [snorts] do that got you in this position today? >> Stole. [snorts] >> Okay. Did you I mean, how did you go about that? Cuz I'm being told that you concealed some things. I'm being told that you ticket switch some items. Like what what's the deal? >> Yes. >> Both. >> I would have got dollar sticker on an eye. Yes. [sighs and gasps] >> Yes sir. >> I don't know if I should remain silent. I didn't use for lawyer. I don't know what's going to happen to me. Please. >> Kimberly was terrified about what was going to happen to her. The officer, however, reassured the woman that nothing had been decided yet. Sadly, that didn't calm her down. As she was trying to gain the officer sympathy, she made another emotional scene. >> I'm so trust. [cough] [sighs] So, I I'll give you kind of the the the two pretty much the two options that we have here. Okay. The first option is you end up going to county jail and you get booked. Okay. The second option is that we issue you what's called a notice to appear. Okay. Basically, what that is is it's a charging affidavit. You're still getting charged and you would be released from here. You would be given a court date. Okay. And you would have to appear in court. Okay. That decision is made on a variety of factors. Okay. Depends on your previous history. It depends on your cooperation with us. Okay. It's ultimately it's at my partner's discretion if we choose to do that or not. Okay. >> When they asked her, Kimberly said she'd never been arrested for shoplifting before. However, she admitted that years earlier she was arrested for domestic battery involving her boyfriend. At this point, the cops really wanted to know what made her steal from Target. >> I I live in Palm Coast. I live alone. Um my roommate moved out a few weeks ago by leaving a me note on a napkin. Um my rent has gone up through the roof in the last couple years. Um I work as much as I can. However, um >> I just it's expensive. >> It's like none of this stuff is like >> it's hard for me to have any sympathy at all. like wrinkle wrinkle releasers, socks, pants. >> My mother um is very sick. She has heart problem. She's a heart condition. She's 78 years old. And um she was going to fly home to Pennsylvania to see family. Um but she asked me to she can't fly because of going to the doctor so it be better. So she asked me to if I would drive with her. So I'm driving her. We're going. It's travel things. [laughter] That's why. So that's quiet and other things. >> And this for traveling. >> No. >> And pants and organizer. >> I know. I was filming for work. >> It's a terrible thing. >> It's stupid. It was stupid. I know. I know. She said she'd stolen to supply her needs. But it was hard for the cops to believe that considering the items she'd stolen were far from necessities. And on top of that, she admitted that she and her mother were going to travel to another state just to watch the Super Bowl. >> We love our football team and we're going to be the Super Bowl. She's wanted to go home and see our family, my cousins, her niece, my godmother, her godmother, babies that were born in in Pennsylvania. >> [gasps] >> Um, she asked me if I would drive her and that's when she said it might be the last time she sees our family and I'm so ashamed to be and I'm not trying to gain sympathy but it's a ghost on this trip. I'm ashamed. I'm so ashamed. I don't want your sympathy up. I know. I know. And you just got to handle the consequences. I mean, I don't know. >> After listening to her and reviewing the items she tried to steal, the cops had made their minds up. But first up, they wanted to have a quick chat. When that was done, they came back to the staff room and Kimberly learned her fate. >> All right. Can you just stand up and face away from me, please? Can you just put your hands out of your back? Don't worry about your purse. >> Can you tell me what happens to it? >> We're going to take it. I promise I I won't run or anything. >> I know. I'm not saying you're going to >> Oh my god. You want us to go with you? >> I don't know what else to do with it. Sorry. >> You leave it in the car. >> I'm just going to put it in my car. >> We can put it in if you want to leave it in there. That's probably not smart, but you want to leave it there. >> If you have your personal belongings and stuff in there, I recommend taking it with you. >> She was eventually placed in a squad car and taken to jail. They charged the woman with retail theft. [music] On the 16th of September 2021, the cops got a call from a local Home Depot. Reportedly, a woman there had been caught skip scanning. When the officers got there, they approached the suspect at the store exit. >> All right. >> I paid for it all. >> I'll never come back. >> Oh, that's not what I'm worried about. If you paid for it all, where's the receipt? >> He has it? >> He has it? >> Yes. >> Let's walk in there and find out. Well, okay. I don't know you late for work. >> Uh, well, no, we're beyond that right now. All right. You're just going to have to be late. Unfortunately, we got called. We're going to investigate something. You will get a report if you need to go back to work as an excuse for whatever it is at work. But right now, we are investigating the possibility of a crime. So, >> I just don't want to do it. >> We're going to figure everything out right now. Okay. You're just going to have to sit tight. >> Can I just sign something? New new like I said we're we're this isn't a bargaining deal like we're in the middle of an investigation. Okay. >> So lob is inside. Apparently he has a receipt. >> I haven't identified her yet. Okay. >> You have a driver's license on you by chance ma'am. >> I promise I'll never come back again. >> And that's all well and good but like I said we got our process to follow. Right. >> Can you just ask them that or never come back? >> We'll figure that out. I'll stand by with her if you just want to go run. Right off the bat, she was trying to negotiate with the cops and get herself released. However, she had been caught red-handed and was in no position to make any deal. Next up, the officer wanted to hear her side of the story. >> So, what's going on today? Tell me everything. >> I'm a single mom. I'm just trying to get I just started trying to get >> Okay. >> So, that's why I'm saying I'll never come back again. >> Oh, no. I got you. So, >> when um when you came into the store today, what did you come in the store for? >> Um to get the paint brushes. >> Uhhuh. >> Paint brushes and maybe I paid and and the wipes. What are the square wine? Uh-huh. >> Okay. What card did you pay off of? Did you use a card or cash? >> Card. You have the card with you? >> Yes. >> Okay. Are you able to pull up the bank statement saying that you paid for that stuff right now? >> Yeah. He's got the receipt. >> I know. And I'm having that officer go and get it, but I'm trying to >> I'm trying to find out what exactly you used. And your bank will reflect that you paid. How much did you pay? It was like $35. >> 35 for paint brushes. >> Yeah. >> Grease lightning. >> Lightning. And >> please see right now. >> The cop got a receipt containing all the goods that the suspect tried to steal. He contradicted the woman's story because the woman only mentioned some paint brushes and wipes. And there was a whole lot more on the list. Tell me about this Ryobi 8V drill, a handheld sprayer, quick change cleaning kit, cabinet cleaner. >> Oh, that was the brush brush thing. >> Okay, so they have video cameras here. All right. So, if we look at the video cameras, what are we? Let's listen to what I'm saying. If we look at the video cameras, what are we going to see? This is your chance to be completely 100% truthful. You didn't see that um that I put him in the bug. >> Mhm. >> And um I just did not scan the the drill. >> Okay. >> One of the cops went to talk to the staff members, hoping to get access to the surveillance cameras. Meanwhile, the other officer went on with the interrogation. As for the suspect, she was trying to gain the cops sympathy, saying she just started a new job. >> How long have you been working for? >> Only two weeks. >> Only two weeks. And I'm just trying to make a good impressions. >> No, I understand that. And good infractions are are important. All right. But like I said, if this is just a misunderstanding, you're actually going to leave here with a police report. So that should excuse whatever they say. You were stopped for a formal investigation. This is this is [snorts] exactly what it is. It's a formal investigation. You are detained. Okay? You're not under arrest yet, but you are detained pending this investigation. And because you are detained, you are not free to leave. [snorts] Okay? I'm just being completely upfront with you. That's exactly how it is right now. There's people here that are alleging that you sold $490 worth of items. That's why I have an officer in there looking at video camera footage. And that's why I'm asking you what we're going to see. Yeah. $29 drill, I guess, for the drill. >> Tools are expensive. >> Like one drill could be 150 bucks. >> Tools are very expensive. >> I didn't realize that. >> You may not have realized it, but that's essentially what we got. >> As they waited for the surveillance footage, the cops were informed by security staff that the woman had concealed items in her purse. So, they checked it out for stolen goods. And as expected, they found something. By chance, is there any other item that you have right now in that bag that doesn't belong to you? We look >> Yeah. All I have is my cigarette. >> What about this? >> That's mine. That's mine. >> Do you have a receipt for it? >> Well, no. I have in my car. I actually have more paint in my car. I actually have more paint in my car. That's just I was getting for work. >> Why would it be in your purse? >> Cuz I was going to carry you to work with the paint brushes and everything. I promise you if you look in my car, I have paint in my car. >> Okay. >> I promise. >> Is there anything else? >> Nothing else at all. >> Nothing. >> The suspect claimed she'd only skip scan the drill, but according to the receipts, there were a lot of other unpaid items. At that point, the woman stopped sounding so confident and she admitted to skip scanning something else as well. >> What about the other? >> No, I skip. >> So, all of those items are paid for. >> But there was a list of other items besides the drill that worked. [snorts] >> Yeah. Scotch scotch. I just [laughter] didn't want to have nothing. I was trying to do I said clean up. Good thing I mean I can pay for >> Okay. Well, why didn't you? >> Cuz it like I said, I haven't got yet. Okay. If you were buying the stuff for the purpose of maintaining your workplace, >> why didn't your work place give you the money to buy it? >> Cuz I was I was trying to kind of show you. >> Meanwhile, the other officer was with security staff and they already had the surveillance videos which showed the suspect's actions. She'd been very inventive and as things turned out, it wasn't the first time she'd stolen from that store. >> But here she has this a good example about like she's a known shoper. She's been probably like her 10th time. This is actually the time she probably got caught this time. >> And the other time I just pulled her credit card and I saw what she was doing. >> Um so you can see she would come right here. She had this the boxes in her cart >> and this is where we actually watching her on the floor. She opened up the boxes and hides the merchandise in between the boxes. Okay. So >> you can see them right here. took her a while to select one. >> So, she didn't even like really remove the items. She just hit them then. Then I'm assuming she used the scanner just to scan what was on the surface and then roll out. >> Yeah. So, there she's hiding it in between the two boxes. >> At that point, they're pretty concealed from the side at least. >> So, then after that, she will walk towards the register and you'll see her transaction right here. I honestly expected her to pay for everything in the cart except for the power tools >> cuz every other time I've seen her do it, she has paid for everything except for the power tools. >> The store wanted to press charges, so the officer honored their request and she was also trespassed. After the woman signed the paperwork, there was only one thing left to do with her. And with surveillance footage to prove the woman's guilt, arresting her was inevitable. >> I'm going to need you to do me a favor. I want you to put your hand behind your back. No, unfortunately have to. Can you take me back off? >> Can I at least call my job? >> Well, we'll we'll figure all that out shortly afterwards. All right. >> Can I Can I bond out or whatever? >> You're going to be released on Tina right now cuz you were having issues with the jail right now. So, we're going to get you fingerprinted and then we're going to bring you back over here and then you'll be able to go home. >> Semicolon. >> Mhm. >> She was eventually transported down to the police station where she was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting. On June 23rd, 2025, the cops responded to a Walmart after reportedly there was a woman there failing to scan items at the selfch checkckout. When confronted by security staff, the woman fled the scene and she left behind her merchandise as well as her kids. She then called her friend to come to the store to take care of her children. >> Hello. >> Are you the friend? >> Gotcha. I was trying to get right now to see exactly how much she watched. >> So, did she ask you to watch the kids? She didn't just like walk off. >> She pointed to the kids. So, I'm assuming that was watching the kids, but I did not hear what she was saying when she got over there. This is adult conversation. Gotcha. >> Yeah. It sounds like she has a lot of history based on what we've done. So, um, what's your plan? You going to take them back? >> Hey, I'm not I'm not going to abandon them. >> Yeah, we're fine with releasing them to you as long as we have her verbally say that. Otherwise, they're going to have to go with children's services. >> I'm not letting them go with children. >> We can't get a hold of her. We have to have actual permission. >> No, you know, she's not going, right? >> I understand that. How did you guys get here? >> I drove. >> You drove everybody? Yes. >> How did she walk? She's off. >> Where she went? I don't know. >> I was pointed to the kids. >> So that they're not. >> The cops found out that she possibly had previous warrants. [music] But right at that moment, they were focused on the kids. So they asked the friend to call the mother up trying to get verbal confirmation that she could take the kids. After the suspect gave her approval, the officer then explained to the woman what the consequences of her actions might be. All right, just just so you're aware, my name is Sergeant W Police Department. I I only briefly spoke with my officer here, but it sounds like you just left your kids here uh after you committed a theft and decided to run away. So, what we're going to do is we're going to file warrants for um theft. We're going to file warrants for child endangerment uh for each one of your kids that you decided to abandon here. And then we're going to um also charge you with uh contributing to the delinquency of a minor uh for a theft while in the presence of your kid. Um [music] at this point, I appreciate your verbal consent. Um, I'm not so sold on it. I I can't verify who you are. I have no information for you. So, all I have is a name and a phone number. Um, so what I'm likely to do is just I'm gonna have to take the kids to uh children's services um and have uh a legal guardian pick them up from there. >> My best friend can't take them. >> Uh, no. No. The easiest way for this whole thing to be to have went down is would you have got a piece of paper and a summon and showed up to a court date? Can't see who you are. You abandon your kids like this. No, I'm not one for favors or believing somebody who is willing to leave their kid to to believe that these kids are theirs or who they are. So, you want to show back up and and receive your uh your paperwork and your summons uh for your future court date. I'm fine with that. [music] Otherwise, no. Children are going to go to Children's Services. >> The suspect's friend asked the officers if her friend was going to get arrested. She was concerned about the possible arrest and how it might affect the kids, especially the one who had anxiety after everything that had happened. >> Um here's the deal. If she does come down here, likely if those are verified, we will have to make an arrest. But if she is here and we can verbally see, okay, this is her, we can release the kids to you. >> But nothing but nothing's been verified yet. So on on the on the very worst end of this, she has to go to jail and you get the kids because we're able to verify who she is and that she's okay to send the kids with you. Speaking to somebody over the phone, not being able to see their face, having no ID on them, not being able to verify like they've seen mom, mom has seen them, like, "Yeah, that's my mom. Yeah, that's my kids. Hey, how do I just send somebody? >> I completely understand. >> So, >> but I just want to be prepared [clears throat] cuz she's going to freak out and like I said, I have to cons and even if that's the case, we don't want to go and traumatize kids, right? So, if so, I can have you take kids to the car, but let her let her give them hugs, say, "Hey, they're going you're going to stay stay the night with you for a little bit." I have I have to go talk to somebody and not even have them see her being put in handcuffs or in the back of a car right now. We can we can deal with all that. None of that is an issue for us. And that again is on the the far worse side of things. On the other end, if if the warrants are no good, then they're no good. You all go home and she gets to pay for something. >> I'm hoping that's how it goes. >> The suspect's fate depended on her possible warrants. She promised the cops over the phone that she'd come back to Walmart. The woman kept her word and not long after the cops met up with her to have a chat. >> I shouldn't have ran. I should have just waited for you guys. I just got a little nervous and I' I've been in trouble for theft before. I'm not going to lie to you. >> I've been clean all year. You know, I've been out of jail year. I haven't gotten any trouble. >> So, I just got a little nervous and I didn't know what to do. So, >> you don't have any weapons or anything on you. Not going to take off on us, anything like that. No. >> Um, if you do another charge yet. [laughter] So, what we're going to have you do is they'll come out. Uh, >> here. Will you hold my phone? >> Yes. >> I'll hang up on it. >> So, we do have your consent to let your friend take all of your >> How about Okay. >> Am I going to be arrested? >> Um, >> you do have warrants for your arrest. So, we're in the process of >> I do have warrants for my arrest. >> We're in the process of verifying them with county. If you do have these warrants, um, you will be going to jail and >> Okay. Yeah. I shouldn't have any warrants. We're going to have to check. Um, have you ever missed a court date before for this stuff or you just >> No, I've been done with court. I am on probation, I'll be honest with you. >> Um, but I know when you pull up my name, it says it has a red mark by it. It says check docket for processing a payment. >> What's your what's your probation for? Is it also for theft? >> Yeah. There's no way that we can cut this that you won't go to jail at least for tonight because even if you these warrants come back and they're not good because of your prior because you're on probation, I can't just release you with the summons and we'll have to be jail tonight. >> I will take them overnight. >> As far as the suspect went, the cops showed a lot of understanding. They didn't arrest her in front of her children and they gave her plenty of time to collect herself and talk to them privately. But after the woman found out she'd be spending a night in jail, she got very emotional. Can you call my mom on your phone? My phone's a tas on. I tell them I'm going to jail. [laughter] I'm going to be in there for Do you know how long do you think? >> I don't know. So, you say you have a probation for is it also theft? >> Yeah, but it's from Delaware County, but it's been transferred here. I don't know how that works. I mean, I I I honestly wasn't trying. So, I I I was waiting for them. Like, I even offered to pay for it. I mean, I know here probably because I'm running. There's probably ways you want to take me to jail. Mom, I'm going to jail. Because I because I was standing up at Walmart. I honestly forgot to scan something because the kids were distracting me and they caught me because I'm up for pages. They're taking me to jail. >> Mommy, you keep it down just a little bit. >> It's okay. I'm with Deanna. Diana has the Sorry. Sorry. Diana has the kids, but there's no way to get around it because I'm on probation. I'm going to end up having to spend a lot of time in jail. What? Mommy. Mommy. Mom. Mommy. No. Mommy. I need [laughter] you right now. >> So, mom's not going to come out here. What we can do for you. I can take mom's phone number. You can give her a call from the jail. So, just tell her what's going on and give me her phone number. >> Please help me. Okay. All right. [laughter] I wasn't Please do. >> All right. I love you, too. Bye. >> Besides talking to her mother, the suspect also called her boyfriend. Interestingly, he was in jail at the time. She emotionally told the man what had happened to her. And after that, she had to say goodbye to her kids before they took her into custody. >> So bad of myself. >> Talk to them. Say whatever. >> I'm not going to be in there long. I don't promise. I don't know. I did. All I did is I for I honestly forgot to scan a few items girl said I had the food stamp to pay for him and I it's going to be okay. It's going to be okay. I'm sorry guys. Let me stop crying. Going to take you home with her. Okay. >> She just she's just got to go talk to somebody and that's it. And then and then she'll be back out there be back to see you again. So >> now if not not like she's going anywhere super far. >> I love you guys. It's be stay strong. It's it's going to be all right. I'm not I didn't get I'm not in big trouble this time. Stay verified. >> Yeah. All right. So, at this point, just turn around, put your hands behind back. We're going to use several sets of cuffs on you. That way, it's uh not super unc >> whatever pops up. >> Call call my mom now and let her know. >> All righty. >> We're gonna go over here. >> Oh, sorry. I didn't know. I'm sorry. My mind is I'm just I'm upset with myself. Like >> she was taken to the jail house and charged with misdemeanor theft and endangering children. In August of 2025, she plead guilty to the theft charge and she was given four days in jail and had to pay a $25 fine. A shoplifter's trickery at the selfch checkckout sometimes goes unnoticed, but most times they get rewarded with a pair of shiny handcuffs and a one-way ticket to jail.