Police Arrest Woman Involved In Major Theft Ring In Arkansas, Texas, And Tennessee

Lonoke Police arrested a woman they say is involved in a major theft ring that targets crowded churches, daycares, and discount stores. They arrested MIchelle Wilson of Jacksonville, who they say is a parole violator. Because of that, she`s being held without bond in the Lonoke County jail. Police say the theft ring may have been in operation for two years and be responsible for several hundred thousand dollars in thefts. "Ms. Wilson is a very important piece to this operation. However, she is probably one of the newest members of this operation," Lonoke police chief Jay Campbell tells KARK`s Mike Hellgren. Wal-Mart and Target are two of the stores the ring hit. Police are still looking for four to six other people in connection with the crimes. Investigators say the ring would look for unattended purses. Ring members would then make fake ID`s so they could use the credit cards and checks inside to buy gift cards and merchandise. Campbell says, "There were some individuals who would actually place orders with this group to go steal this in exchange for narcotics." Tomorrow, store investigators and other police agencies will interview Wilson. Posted by Mike Hellgren