Shoplifting turns into felony charge

A Pinal County woman’s latest alleged steal has gotten her more than she bargained for.

Francis Jeffery, 58, was contacted by police at Walmart on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway Tuesday afternoon in reference to alleged shoplifting. Police reported that when being questioned, Jeffery stated she had made purchases at Walmart and used the grocery bags from that purchase to hide shoplifted items in an attempt to make them appear purchased.

According to the police report, Jeffery was observed by loss prevention when attempting to pass off the stolen items as purchased. The value of the items came out to $66.85.

After being arrested and transported to Maricopa Police Station, officers found similar charges throughout Jeffery’s criminal history.

Jeffery was found guilty of shoplifting in three other cases, one of them being in Tempe in early 2015.

With police having three convictions within five years of each other, Jeffery’s violation increased to a class 4 felony.

Francis Jeffery was booked into Pinal County Jail.