Two women were arrested on Christmas Eve for allegedly shoplifting over $1,100 worth of merchandise from the Minden Walmart.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the store at 1:57 PM after receiving a report of a theft in progress. While en route, officers spotted a Dodge Ram believed to be involved in the incident traveling east on Shreveport Road and conducted a traffic stop.
At the store, a loss prevention specialist informed authorities that the two women had worked together to carry out the theft. Crystal Farrell, 40, of Minden, reportedly used a scan-to-go app to place items into a cart before passing the cart to another woman, later identified as Lori MaGee, 55, of Gibsland. MaGee then went to a self-checkout station and appeared to scan a barcode using a cellphone but exited the store without paying.
Walmart employees reviewed the self-checkout station and confirmed that no payment was made for the items. Officers later located the stolen merchandise in MaGee’s vehicle, a Volkswagen. The items, valued at $1,162.21, were recovered and returned to the store.
Farrell and MaGee were taken into custody, advised of their rights, and transported to the Minden Police Department. Farrell was charged with felony theft, while MaGee faced charges of felony theft as well as outstanding bench warrants.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.