EPD: The alleged 12 thieves of Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for shoplifting arrests.
Eunice Police Department police reports confirm that as of December 6th, 2013, 12 people have been arrested and charged with shoplifting since December 1, 2013.
Police said that they arrested six more shoplifters this week adding to the already-arrested six individuals charged with shoplifting during this month of December to date.
It started Tuesday afternoon as police responded to Burke’s Outlet after receiving a report of a shoplifter being detained.
Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect was leaving the scene but returned when employees got the license plate number from the vehicle.
The suspect informed officers that she did steal two shirts but threw them from the car before returning. Officers were unable to locate the shirts along the roadway.
While reviewing the video surveillance officers observed the female suspect remove two shirts from a clothing rack and place them inside her purse.
She then left the store without making any attempt to pay. Officers then placed Allyssa Allison, 17, of Eunice, under arrest for theft by shoplifting.
She was transported to Eunice Police Department and booked then released by summons. The total value of the merchandise in question was $22.
On Wednesday police said that the manager of Family Dollar notified police after reviewing video surveillance from the previous night.
The video surveillance system captured three male suspects involved in the act of shoplifting. Two of the suspects were observed removing various items from the shelves and placed the items into plastic bags then exited the store.
The investigation identified two of the suspects involved as Christopher Ashworth, 33, of Eunice, and Kerry Richard, 24, of Lawtell. Officers then went to a residence and detained the individuals. Both were then placed under arrest.
Kerry Richard was booked for theft by shoplifting.
Christopher Ashworth was booked on charges of principal to theft by shoplifting. T
he officers report noted that Ashworth did not steal any items but was present while the other two individuals committed the act. T
he officer also noted that while reviewing the video surveillance Ashworth was engaged in conversation with the individuals during the shoplifting incident.
Both refused to identify the third suspect involved. The amount of merchandise stolen totaled $200.