Close cooperation between security staff at the Mall of Green Hills and West Precinct Flex officers resulted in Tuesday night’s arrest of three persons who are accused of shoplifting thousands of dollars in merchandise from several stores, including Victoria’s Secret, Burberry, Kate Spade and J. Crew.
Officers stopped a blue Chevrolet Malibu with a temp tag on Hillsboro Pike near I-440 after seeing the driver, Charmette Pitts, texting while behind the wheel, and after noting that the car matched the description of one reported by mall security to contain alleged shoplifters. A consent search of the Malibu revealed a variety of merchandise with price tags and security sensors still attached, as well as tools used to remove sensors.
Pitts, 41, and passengers Audrieanna Johnson, 22, and Rico Brown, 18, admitted to stealing. They are charged with three counts each of felony theft, one count of misdemeanor theft and possession of theft tools. In addition, Johnson, of University Court, and Brown, of 14th Avenue North, are fugitives from Paducah, Kentucky, where they are wanted for shoplifting.
Pitts, of Marshal Street, is currently on probation for felony aggravated assault and theft convictions in Nashville from 2009. Her record also reflects felony theft convictions from Williamson and Sevier Counties. She is being held in lieu of $55,000 bond. Johnson is jailed in lieu of $305,000 bond. Brown’s bail is set at $285,000.
The investigation continues and additional charges are anticipated.
Source:Press Release/Nashville Metro Police