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GPD arrests two women possibly linked to string of Walmart thefts
Greencastle Police arrested two women Saturday morning believed to have stolen electronics from multiple Walmart stores in two states.
At 4:21 a.m., GPD officers were dispatched to the Greencastle Walmart on Indianapolis Road for a theft complaint. Upon arrival, Officer Kyle Lee was directed to a red 2015 Toyota leaving the parking lot.
During the traffic stop at the intersection of Indianapolis Road and 10th Street/Round Barn Road, Capt. Chris Jones had reason to believe that the two female occupants in the vehicle were the two females that had been on the news several times for reportedly stealing iPads from numerous Walmarts in Indiana and Ohio.
GPD Assistant Chief Brian Hopkins credited Walmart associates as well as Jones for being aware of the prior incidents and quickly identifying the two women as the possible perpetrators of the previous crimes.
"Walmart kind of knew about (the previous thefts), so they thought maybe it was them," Hopkins said. "And then, Jones had seen that news piece before and brought it up on his laptop and thought, 'that definitely looks like them.'"
The two females from Columbus, Ohio, were identified as Jolisha McDonald, 23, and Danielle White (aka Stephanie Toles), 24.
The duo was booked into the Putnam County Jail pending review by the Putnam County prosecutor.
McDonald was preliminarily charged with conspiracy to commit theft, criminal mischief and possession of marijuana.
White's preliminary charges include conspiracy to commit theft, false reporting and possession of a controlled substance.
Nothing was actually stolen from the Greencastle store, leaving McDonald and White facing only misdemeanor charges in Putnam County.
However, due to White misidentifying herself to police, she faces the additional false reporting charge. After she was properly identified, police also discovered White was wanted on a warrant out of West Virginia.
Police tried to get a 48-hour hold placed on both women, but it was not granted given that the local charges are only misdemeanors.
As such, McDonald posted bond on Saturday evening.
White must be held at least until her court date because of the West Virginia warrant.
Regardless, the two women are believed to be linked to dozens of other iPad thefts from Walmart stores.
The television report referenced by Hopkins came from WTHR on Friday evening. Two women matching the description of McDonald and White are believed to have stolen 29 iPads valued at around $13,000 from the Greenfield Walmart.
Greenfield police told WTHR the women were possibly linked to as many as 40 thefts in Indiana and Ohio.
Hopkins said GPD is attempting to contact departments in areas where similar crimes have been committed, with he and Lee having talked to police in Greenfield and Westfield.
Additionally, Hopkins sent out a message about the crime to all departments in the state of Indiana, as well as the Ohio State Police, saying White could be interviewed by the departments for other incidents.
If another department comes forward with a felony charge against White, she could be held longer.
GPD was assisted by Putnam County Sheriff's Department Lt. Virgil Lanning and DePauw Public Safety Lt. Rick Keller.
A court date for McDonald and White is likely to come early in the week.