Two Women Arrested for Allegedly Forcing Kids to Shoplift

Two women in their late 20s were taken into custody by Gwinnett county police after loss prevention officers at a store accused the women of being part of a shoplifting scheme. The story behind the incident began in Atlanta when two young boys, age 14 and 13, say the women picked them up in front of their respective homes. The 14-year-old said that he had seen the two women around for the last few days and had spoke to them a couple times. They pulled up in a red sedan at his apartment building where he was playing outside and asked him if he wanted to go with them to the mall. They said they would buy him some clothes if he came along. The boy agreed and got in the car. They next stopped and at the home of a friend of the young teen's. The 13-year-old friend was given the same offer and got into the car. The 13-year-old did not know the women at all. The group made the 40-mile drive to Gwinnett County and arrived at the Mall of Georgia. The boys told authorities that they were each given empty shopping bags that were from a fairly high end clothing store and told to wait at in a certain place as the women put clothing into a dressing room. The women would leave the clothes there and then tell the boys to go in and put the clothes in the empty bags. This reportedly happened at three different stores before theft prevention officers observed the suspicious activity through surveillance cameras. Contact a criminal defense attorney now if you have been accused of a serious theft crime.

Women Charged with Felony Theft Offenses and other Crimes

The theft prevention officers called police who tracked down the two women in their red sedan as they were returning to Atlanta. They were found in possession of over $1,200 of stolen clothing from the three stores. The two women were taken into custody and the boys returned to their parents. The boys were not charged and have been cooperating with authorities but the two women have been charged with two counts each of interference with custody, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and theft by shoplifting.

Consult with a Lawrenceville Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Contact The Law Offices of Robert L. Booker if you have been charged with a crime such as grand theft, shoplifting, retail theft, grand theft auto, petty theft, fraud, burglary or other theft offense. We may be able to get the charges you are faced with reduced or dismissed!