JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro woman is facing a felony theft charge after allegedly spilling a fountain drink to divert store employees and stealing Slim Jim beef jerky sticks from a local business.
Police responded to a shoplifting complaint on Tuesday at a store in the 1700 block of East Johnson Avenue. Surveillance footage reviewed by officers reportedly showed Tanya Reynolds spilling a large drink on the floor, according to a probable cause affidavit. While employees were occupied cleaning the spill, Reynolds walked to a display containing Slim Jims, took approximately 10 sticks, and left the store without paying, the affidavit states.
Authorities used the footage to identify Reynolds. A criminal history check during the investigation revealed that she had a prior theft conviction in April 2023 for stealing a credit or debit card.
Due to her previous conviction, Reynolds was charged with theft of property valued at $1,000 or less, second offense, which is classified as a Class D felony. This charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison under Arkansas law.
Reynolds appeared before Circuit Judge Tommy Fowler on Wednesday, where bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety. Court records noted Reynolds’ prior theft history and a previous failure to appear in court. The public defender’s office was appointed to represent her.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
All individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.