Women Accused of Hiding Stolen Goods in Their Body Fat

While being obese does have its health disadvantages, it can also provide some hefty benefits. Just ask twenty-eight year-old Ailene Brown and thirty-seven year-old Shmeco Thomas, two Oklahoma women who recently found a creative use for their corpulent condition. Authorities say the two ladies stuffed over $2,600 worth of TJ Maxx merchandise, consisting of four pairs of boots, three pairs of jeans, a wallet, and gloves, by hiding the items in their excess body fat in an attempt to steal them from the store. The duo apparently was able to hide the items in the areas where excess skin existed under their bellies, breasts, and armpits, according to an officer on the scene. The women were arrested for shoplifting but are now facing felony charges for theft.

This situation proves that even the best laid plans can blow up in one’s face. These women seemingly had the perfect hiding spot for the merchandise, certainly one which no one would ever expect to find stolen items. Unfortunately for them, stuffing items into your body is not the most inconspicuous way to smuggle them out of the store, and they attracted the attention of the loss prevention team at TJ Maxx, who eventually turned them in.

In Tennessee, shoplifting generally draws no more than a fine as punishment, but when the amount is as great as it was here, a suspect may be looking at a felony theft charge. Theft of property valued at over $500 can be charged as a felony and theft of between one and ten thousand dollars is classified as a Class D felony, punishable by two to twelve years in prison and a substantial fine. It should be noted, however, that persons facing Class D felony charges are presumed to deserve sentencing at the bottom end of the range, meaning the ordinary defendant will be sentenced to a two year sentence unless some sort of enhancement factors exist, such as an extensive criminal history, that warrant a lengthier sentence. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime of any type, contact a Knoxville criminal defense attorney today for assistance with your case.

Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/kfor-news-fat-roll-shoplifters-story,0,1507798.story