MORGAN COUNTY
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office made two arrests last week stemming from a shoplifting incident at the Dollar General in Rutledge that took place on Dec. 29.
Billie James Franklin, 38, and Hailey Williams, 28, both of Covington have been charged with theft by shoplifting.
MCSO Investigator Sgt. Chase Young became aware of the shoplifting while probing a burglary that had occurred at the Rutledge liquor store.
According to the report, a white male and white female placed several items in a plastic garbage can and attempted to leave the business with them. The thieves were confronted by the store’s assistant manager and a struggle over the garbage can ensued.
The male was able to maintain possession of the garbage can and the two suspects fled the scene in a silver sedan, but the license number was relayed to law enforcement.
Video surveillance footage showed the suspects loading items into the garbage can and moving to the self check out counter. The two purchased sodas, but none of the items in the can were scanned, according to the report. Young was able to connect the female to the silver sedan and found a photo of Williams that matched the person in the video surveillance footage.
Social media information revealed that Williams was in a relationship with Franklin, and his photo matched the male who had been with Williams at the scene.
Arrest warrants were obtained after a list of items stolen had been completed.