Hunter
04/28/22
A Riverside woman with a history of theft convictions was arrested again for the same offense, this time after allegedly walking out of a convenience store with the stolen items in full view of a police officer.
The incident reportedly occurred just before 7:40 pm Tuesday. 45-year-old Veronica Gatlin of the Riverside Mobile Home Park was at the Kum & Go on South Gilbert Street while an officer was sitting in the parking lot. Gatlin walked out of the store, followed by a clerk who informed the officer that Gatlin had just stolen several candy bars from the store. The officer stopped Gatlin as she was leaving the parking lot, and she allegedly admitted to the theft.
The value of the candy stolen was just under $15.
A probable cause search was conducted on the woman’s vehicle, and police reportedly discovered methamphetamine and two meth pipes with residue. Gatlin allegedly claimed ownership of the drugs.
Gatlin was taken into custody and charged with 3rd degree Theft, Meth possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted on all counts, she faces a jail sentence of up to over three years.