By Abigail Roberts
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says while shoplifting might seem like a minute crime, local businesses have been suffering.
A Stanford woman was arrested Dec. 13 after an off-duty deputy allegedly witnessed her shoplifting at the Stanford Tractor Supply. She was also later connected to a theft at a boot store in Lexington.
Lincoln County Chief Deputy Michael Mullins was in plain clothes when he saw Misty Snow, 47, of Stanford, shoplifting merchandise.
Mullins summoned the help of Deputy Ron Luster and Deputy Russell Preston to assist.
After broadcasting a “be on the look out” alert for her vehicle, deputies were unable to locate her.
Mullins reviewed video surveillance at Tractor Supply which allegedly showed Snow grabbing a sweatshirt, valued at $62.99, and a pair of wrangler pants, valued at $45, and concealing them in her purse.
“She then left the store after passing all points of sale and never paid for any items,” Mullins said. “I issued a warrant for her arrest.”
Later that evening, The Boot Store in Nicholasville posted a picture of Snow and another female on their Facebook page stating they had been shoplifting there.
“Through further investigation and utilizing FLOCK camera technology, deputies were able to locate her at her residence, after which she was taken into custody,” Mullins said.
It was determined that Snow left her car at the Danville Walmart. Inside the vehicle, deputies saw stolen merchandise.
“I requested the assistance of Boyle County Deputy Sheriff Jacob Ruhe and he located the vehicle in the parking lot,” he said. “At this time, I and Deputy Luster took the female to the Walmart parking where she provided consent to search the vehicle.”
Deputies found the stolen merchandise from Tractor Supply Company as well as one pair of Twisted X shoes taken from The Boot Store.
“After further investigation, it was determined that the other female with her during the crime at the boot store was not involved at the Tractor Supply, however, deputies went to her residence in Burgin for an interview, during which we obtained information on the location of another pair of boots taken from The Boot Store,” Mullins said. “From there, I was led to a residence in Harrodsburg where I located the stolen muck boots.”
At this time the investigation continues, as the other merchandise located in the car could also be stolen, Mullins said.
The total value of all items was in excess of $300.
Snow was arrested and lodged in the Casey County Detention Center on charges of theft by unlawful taking (shoplifting).
“At this time, the other female has not been charged with any crime in Lincoln County, but I will consult with law enforcement in Jessamine County,” Mullins said.
Mullins was able to return the items back to Tractor Supply in Stanford and plans to return the items to The Boot Store.
“While this may seem like a minute crime, our local businesses have taken a hit due to shoplifting and we will not tolerate this,” he said.
