FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Two Palatka women were arrested on Wednesday after they were caught shoplifting from a TJ Maxx store in Palm Coast, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, deputies said that the women — identified as Mareena Aviles, 33; and Kaliya Thomas, 26 — were spotted placing clothes into a black bag before leaving the store without paying.
As a result, an employee confronted the pair outside the store and retrieved the stolen merchandise before contacting law enforcement, the release states.
Eventually, FCSO deputies were able to locate the two women and pulled them over less than 2 miles from the store, investigators noted.
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Inside the vehicle, deputies found a large amount of clothing with TJ Maxx tags still attached, investigators reported. But that wasn’t all.
Deputies added that they discovered an anti-shoplifting device used to remove security tags, as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The clothing is also believed to have been taken from stores in Flagler, Alachua and Marion counties.
“This thieving duo made the wrong turn and came to Flagler County to try to rip off a local business,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The quick response of our deputies ensured these two thieves were stopped in their tracks! Their ‘free’ shoplifting spree won them a stack of charges and a free trip and stay at the Green Roof Inn.”
Now, Aviles faces charges of petit theft, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of an anti-shoplifting device, and driving with a suspended license. She is held on bond of $46,000.
Deputies also said that Aviles has a history of theft in Alachua and Putnam counties.
Meanwhile, Thomas faces charges of petit theft and possession of an anti-shoplifting device. She is held on bond of $20,000.