Hy-Vee staff uses EBT information to track down shoplifting suspect accused of stealing over $4,000 in merchandise

Lang
9/27/23

Employees at an Iowa City grocery store used EBT information to track down a shoplifting suspect accused of stealing over $4,000 in merchandise.

Staff members at the Waterfront Hy-Vee say last June they noticed a customer ringing some items up in a self-check-out aisle while putting other items directly into plastic bags without scanning them. Hy-Vee security used the woman’s EBT card number from the receipt to find the times and dates of previous purchases from her and the corresponding security footage. The investigation determined the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Shelby Clinton of Brookwood Drive, had stolen $4,165.71 in merchandise during multiple visits between March and June.

Clinton is now charged with 2nd Degree Theft. If convicted, she faces a maximum of five years in prison.