A Jonesboro woman faces a felony theft charge after authorities say she attempted to steal over $400 worth of merchandise and was identified as a repeat offender with 11 prior theft-related convictions.
Stacy Denise Ware was charged with theft of $1,000 or less, second offense, a Class D felony, following an incident reported on September 6. According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched to a store in the 3000 block of East Highland Drive after an employee reported a theft in progress.
Police were informed that a woman, later identified as Ware, had been confronted by employees as she tried to leave the store without paying. Witnesses said Ware fled to a silver Jeep Renegade with a pink steering wheel cover. Authorities added that the employee who reported the theft told officers they recognized Ware from a prior case.
The affidavit alleges Ware entered the store, pulled out two large Target bags, and began filling them with merchandise. When employees challenged her as she attempted to exit without paying, she reportedly abandoned the merchandise while fleeing to her vehicle. The value of the recovered items was estimated at $416.74.
Officers subsequently located Ware driving the vehicle and took her into custody. Police records state Ware has been convicted of theft-related offenses in 11 prior instances, with the most recent conviction dated June 11. This history elevated the current charge to a Class D felony.
Ware appeared in Craighead County Circuit Court, where bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. She is scheduled for her next court appearance on October 26 at 8:30 a.m. If convicted, a Class D felony carries a potential sentence of up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to court documents.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.