Woman shoplifts with child and gets busted for drugs

Published 7:00 am Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Tania Russell

Tania Russell

A local woman was arrested for shoplifting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor at the Picayune Wal-Mart, on May 25, said Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri.

The woman, identified as Tania Russell, 25, of 110 Liddell Dr., in Picayune, was with her three-year-old child in the infant section. At that time an officer observed her to be removing hangers and tags from clothing and concealing them in a diaper bag, Magri said.

The officer then saw her remove tags from pair of shoes and hand them to her daughter to conceal inside her child’s tote bag, Magri said.

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The officer then approached Russell and escorted her to the back office of store where he met with employees, Magri said.  A search of the diaper bag and the child’s tote bag revealed numerous items including hair bow packs, sleep wear, swimsuits, a ladies bra and girls clothing totaling $219.93, Magri said.

A check of Russell’s purse revealed she was in possession of prescription medication she did not have a prescription for, which were identified as hydrocodone and diazepam, Magri said.

Russell was taken into custody for shoplifting first offense, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and two counts of possession of a controlled substance, Magri said.

Russell’s child was released to a friend, Magri said.