TCSO Shoplifting Arrests - 12/4/11

Nicole Deshanon Brooks

Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka "Tine Bates)

Over the weekend, two suspects were arrested for Shoplifting. The suspects had allegedly been spotted, by witnesses, while in the process of loading their vehicle with merchandise taken without payment from the Dollar General, near Pine Mountain.

Troup County Deputies responded to the location inside the 9000 block of Hamilton Road, around 3 pm, on Sunday afternoon. The store employees were able to show Deputies video surveillance footage of the suspects taking items from inside the store, and exit without paying for them. Deputies were also given a description of the suspects, and the vehicle they were last seen driving, by witnesses at the scene. A lookout was placed through Troup County E-911.

Shortly after the lookout was given, Patrolling Troup County Deputies located the suspects and their vehicle near the intersection of Highway 219 and Bartley Road (travelling North, toward LaGrange). When conducting a traffic stop on the vehicle, a passenger exited acting nervously and continuously talking on her cell phone.

Upon approach, several trash bags filled with T-shirts (still in original packaging) and a plastic bag containing a new comforter could been seen in plain view inside the vehicle’s back seat. A brief interview with the driver revealed that there were various other miscellaneous items stowed in the trunk of the vehicle. The driver opened the trunk to confirm this statement.

Based upon the video footage from the Dollar General, the description of the subjects and their vehicle along with its contents and interviews conducted during the traffic stop, Coltina Michelle Whitehead (aka “Tina Bates”, age 39 of Pine Mountain – Passenger) and Nicole Deshanon Brooks (age 42, of LaGrange – Driver) were placed under arrest and transported to the Troup County Jail. Both are being charged with Theft By Shoplifting. There may be other charges to follow from other Agencies, as this case continues under investigation.

Items recovered during the traffic stop included: A comforter, shoes, boots, T-shirts, jeans, socks, undergarments, soap, purses, soft drinks and miscellaneous hygiene items. Nothing further to report, at this time.