Above: Evidence in vehicle | courtesy of ACSO
On the afternoon of February 3rd, an incident at the Save Mart grocery store in Martell, CA prompted a response from the Sheriff’s Office following a report of theft. A woman was observed removing a significant quantity of top-shelf liquor from the store and then departing the area in a rental vehicle. Following the report, a patrol sergeant spotted the suspect’s car heading westbound on CA-16. The vehicle was subsequently found parked at a shopping center in Rancho Murieta, where the driver was detained by law enforcement.
Upon further investigation, authorities identified the suspect as 23-year-old Alia Hampton from Stockton. It was determined that Hampton had taken multiple bottles of liquor along with 22 cans of corned beef, totaling approximately $800 in value. Given that the total value of the stolen items was under $950, the incident qualifies as shoplifting under Proposition 47. Consequently, Hampton was released from the scene, and misdemeanor charges are being prepared to be filed against her. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by retail establishments in managing theft and the procedural outcomes dictated by current legal thresholds for property crimes.
