An Athens woman was arrested recently in Gwinnett County in connection with a series of recent shoplifting cases throughout the region.
According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, Leta Davis of Athens, was arrested Monday and charged with theft by shoplifting, theft by receiving stolen property, giving a false name and misdemeanor obstruction.
The release said the investigation started on Dec. 4, when officers were dispatched to a shoplifting call at the Victoria's Secret on Scenic Highway in unincorporated Snellville. The suspect left the store before officers arrived.
An officer visited the store again on Dec. 6 to gather more information about the suspect. Together, they planned to conduct additional surveillance as they waited to see if the suspect would return.
The suspect returned to the store on Dec. 11.
"Though nothing was stolen during this visit, the suspect was seen entering a nearby Bath and Body Works a short time later," the release said.
Davis was seen entering the store while carrying a large tote bag that appeared empty. She then left the store about five minutes later with her tote bag filled with merchandise.
Officers then conducted a traffic stop on Davis and arrested her. Davis initially gave officers a false name. It was later discovered that she had outstanding warrants from Barrow, Cherokee and Cobb counties for other shoplifting charges and was on probation.
During an inventory of her vehicle, officers located several trash bags of merchandise from Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works valued at about $3,000. Officers are also following up with another nearby store to see if they are also the victims of shoplifting.
Davis was booked at the Gwinnett County jail.
"Officers will coordinate with other metro Atlanta agencies and retail stores to see if Davis could be responsible for additional crimes," the release said.
