This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A 48-year-old West Valley City woman is accused of going on a nine-month shopping spree — at her employer's expense — that resulted in nearly $24,000 worth of merchandise disappearing.
Police said the Kohl's employee admitted that she stole nearly $24,000 in clothes, Christmas ornaments and vacuums over nine months from the store located at 3031 S. 5600 West, according to charging documents filed Tuesday in 3rd District Court.
Authorities allege the thefts began at about Christmas 2011. On each occasion, the woman would select about 15 times that totaled about $300 in value, place them in a bag and walk out of the store, charges state.
Police said the woman was "shocked" at how much the thefts had added up over nine months.
When police searched her home, authorities said they retrieved several bags of merchandise and a vacuum cleaner, which were returned to the store. That property was valued at about $1,000.
The woman is charged with one count of second-degree felony theft, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
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