for immediate release
December 29, 2004

N E W S   R E L E A S E

Three suspects were arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in connection with a $15,000 theft operation at Bealls Outlet, 839 Harbor Blvd, Destin.

The stolen merchandise has been returned to Bealls Outlet with the arrests of Janice Ruth Shirley (pictured top left), age 49 (8-22-55), Britton June Morgan (pictured right), age 22 (2-24-82), and Marsha Dawn Carpenter (pictured bottom left), age 51 (10-20-53) all of Destin.  An investigation by the store's District Loss Prevention Inspector developed evidence implicating Morgan, a store supervisor, and Shirley, a store clerk, rang up and passed along merchandise to members of Morgan's family numerous times without receiving proper payment. 

On nine separate occasions, Shirley admitted to giving unauthorized discounts on merchandise to friends and personally taking merchandise over the last two months.  Stolen merchandise was recovered at Shirley's residence and personal vehicle.  Carpenter, an acquaintance of Shirley's, came to Bealls on two separate occasions and carried out two shopping carts filled with merchandise without paying.

Carpenter is charged with Felony Retail Theft.  Shirley is charged with Grand Theft and Use of Fraudulently Obtained or False Receipt.  Morgan is charged with Petit Theft.

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for more information contact Catherine Dokey, Community Relations Coordinator

(850) 651-7153

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