Two Florida corrections officers were arrested, according to law enforcement, and license plate recognition technology helped bust the criminals.
Florida State Corrections Officers Kaitlyn Thomas and Shaun Smith were arrested after an investigation uncovered they went on a three-week Walmart shopping spree, without the shopping part.
Law enforcement said the Florida pair hit Walmart locations in Callaway, Panama City and Lynn Haven, helping themselves to Magic: The Gathering cards, LEGO sets and other merchandise valued at over $3,000.
When they left the Callaway Walmart in a white Hyundai Sonata, Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigators used Flock license plate recognition technology to help locate the vehicle. A deputy spotted it on Highway 77 near Highway 388 and made the stop.
A look at surveillance footage confirmed their involvement. Investigators executed a search warrant of the vehicle and discovered stolen merchandise valued in excess of over $3,000.
According to local law enforcement, 32-year-old Kaitlyn Thomas and 20-year-old Shaun Smith were charged with multiple counts of Grand Theft, and additional charges were possible.
“Turns out, when you make three weeks of ‘shopping trips’ without actually paying, somebody eventually checks the receipt,” BCSO posted.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Lynn Haven Police Department and Panama City Police Department for working alongside their investigators.
