Stolen Baby Shower Gifts, Crack Pipe Land Woman in Jail

A Clearwater woman was arrested after attempting to take about $125 in merchandise from a Bealls Outlet in Tarpon Springs and having a crack pipe in her pocket, authorities said.

According to Tarpon Springs Police officers, the July 21 theft attempt took place because Mary Howard, 60, was headed to a baby shower and needed gifts. 

Howard stuffed the items into a black leather bag before walking out of the store, at 41318 U.S. 19, which triggered the alarm system. She continued to her car in the parking lot, but police were on the scene before she could leave.

After removing the bag from her car, the items were recovered and Howard admitted to taking them, police said.

According to an arrest affidavit, Howard "admitted to coming from Clearwater to steal the items to take to the baby shower because she did not have the money to buy them."

Trouble did not end there for Howard. 

When police officers arrested Howard, they noticed a bulge in her pants pocket that turned out to be a crack pipe wrapped in a tissue. 

Howard told police she did not know the pipe was in her pocket.

However, after being tested at the police department, the pipe was positive for traces of crack cocaine.

Because of numerous prior theft convictions, Howard was hit with a felony theft charge plus a felony charge of possessing a controlled substance. She bonded out for $4,000.