Crime & Safety

Walmart Outfit Swap Lands Homeless Woman in Jail

Officers say the woman took a new outfit into the bathroom, changed into it and left without paying.

Erin Coleman, 33, of Tarpon Springs was arrested on a felony charge of petit theft on July 12 after police say she unsuccessfully attempted to take clothing from Walmart.

The Tarpon Springs store manager told police Coleman went into the bathroom with a tank-top from the store and walked out wearing it. She was also wearing a new pair of flip flops that had not been paid for.

According to an arrest affidavit, when Coleman was questioned by authorities, she "admitted to removing the clothing tags and to attempting to steal the items." 

Coleman did not have the $10.70 to pay for the items, so she was taken into custody where she faces a felony charge of theft after two prior convictions of theft. 

Coleman's bond is set at $1,000 and she is currently awaiting trial at the Pinellas County Jail.


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