Crime & Safety

Macomb Mom Faces Retail Fraud for Sending Daughter on Shoplifting Spree

A 29-year-old woman was arraigned in 41A District Court on charges of retail fraud in the second degree and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

A Macomb Township mother could face jail time and hefty fines if convicted of charges stemming from allegations that she sent her 11-year-old daughter on a shoplifting spree at a .

The 29-year-old woman was arraigned in 41A District Court Friday, Jan. 27, on charges of retail fraud in the second degree and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to police.

detectives report that on Jan. 26, the woman sent her 11-year-old daughter into the Kroger at 21 Mile and Card with a shopping list and no intention paying. Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the woman waited in the parking lot with her two other children, ages 5 and 8, for her daughter to return.

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While in the store, the girl loaded up the cart with groceries and left without paying. The mother then proceeded to load the stolen items into her vehicle, according to police.

When the woman returned to the store in an attempt to return two bottles of detergent, telling store employees her daughter had purchased the wrong brand, loss prevention personnel determined the items had not been paid for at all. The woman was arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail.

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Child Protective Services was notified and the three children were turned over to
family members, according to police.

The charge of retail fraud is punishable by a year in prison and/or a $2,000 fine. The delinquency of a minor charge carries a penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

The woman was released on a $1,000 personal bond. She will return to district court for pretrial in February.

Macomb Patch is not naming the woman to protect the identities of the children.

For questions on the police blotter, email jenny.whalen@patch.com.


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